1.They aren't really cash, they are cash equivalent. And it is interesting for other company, Newspaper only signal out what is really "cash" and leave those "cash equivalent" like bonds as separate thing.

2. Apple likes to have some money in the bank, so they dont need to borrow on anything.

3. Over 60% of its co called cash are overseas. Which means they cant really do anything with it.

4. The other 40%, are used for operational cost, paying big in front for favorable price, R&D, and even acquiring companies.

5. Apple has LOTS of High Profile Stores. Those Stores are long terms liabilities, and they do cost a bit operate. In the case of another huge economy downturn, those cash are what makes them stay afloat.

I was actually wondering what happens if Apple do have 100B to buy into bonds or what ever, that is 2B a year of interest coming from it.