Does Apple require a credit check or background check to hire?

Greetings Maelstromsl!
The answer to your question is yes, Apple performs a background check,
which includes a credit check.  According to infoapplestore.com...

"You should know that Apple performs a background check on applicants
after the final stage of interviewing. The check includes submitting
references and other information on your application (signature
block), and authorized by a document that you sign (and which
describes your rights). Your references may not be contacted, but it's
clear that Apple does check credit histories and some type of criminal
history check. California law allows private companies with their own
security force to access the state's criminal history computer system,
so background checks will include any history of arrests and criminal
convictions."

http://ifoapplestore.com/stores/hiring.html

It is safe to assume that if they do a background check for their
retail store employees they are also going to do one on there
engineers who have access to highly classified company material.  A
fairly extensive background check is not uncommon in the industry.

If you have any questions or need anything cleared up, please request
a clarification before rating my answer and I will be happy to help.

Best,
djbaker-ga

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Awesome thanks for your quick response!