Apple inks consulting deal with former hardware exec

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple said it formed the agreement through Rubinstein's company J.R. Ruby Consulting Corp.

Under the terms of the deal, Rubinstein has agreed to make himself available to perform consulting services at Apple for up to 20 percent of general weekly business hours, or one business day per week on average, until April 16, 2007.

In return, the iPod maker will pay Rubinstein a non-material flat fee as consideration for his services.

Rubinstein, who oversaw all of Mac hardware engineering before being assigned to head the company's iPod Division, resigned from Apple last month.