Although the latest version of the iPad stirred quite a hysteria, it may surprise you to know that the Mac recently passed the iPad in overall revenue. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first Macintosh and this years sales were the second among all it’s products. It generated revenue totaling over $6 billion. These Mac sales proved that Mac still has the upper hand over similar PC models in terms of quality.

So the question is: What’s the cause for the rise in sales for Mac? This is a very good question and one that can be answered by looking at the marketing strategy of Apple. In the last eight years, Apple has decided to do a few things different. For example, they increased their visibility by opening more retail stores, especially overseas stores in Europe and China. They also stopped charging a fee for updating Mac software and offered a reasonable price for other Mac computer products like the Macbook Air.

Surprisingly, prices for their desktop and laptop computers have not decreased significantly in price compared to PCs, averaging a price point, two to three times higher than the cost of a PC especially for laptops. Nonetheless, consumers say that it is the quality and value of the product that sets Mac apart from its less expensive counterparts. This is a quality and value that consumers have come to count on. Once consumers have a pleasant experience with an Apple product, they generally become lifetime customers, buying other Apple products for themselves and family members. This is what keeps Apple and Mac products continuously in the running for high sales. You can’t beat a loyal customer.

In addition, Mac continues to be a frontrunner now that it offers free updates for its Mac OS X operating system and lower prices for new Apple products like the Macbook Air. This only helps to move the brand beyond the iPhone and the iPad and into what it was originally known for. Now, Apple has provided a seamless transition between the iOS and OS X environment. This is yet another draw to gain and keep customers.

Apple will of course still have PCs as its competitor, particularly in price. Consumers are drawn to a lower price for a product that can competitively do the same as its more expensive counterpart. The key for Apple is how to continue to retain its loyal customers.