Realistically, on Apple's part? Never. Apple donates almost nothing corporately. And Apple employee donations are like 20:1 Democrat to Republican.
This will be about explaining Apple's positions to legislators, but more critically a legislator's staff. It will likely include information around the number of employees that exist due to Apple in the legislator's district as well as the economic activity generated.
NASA does this very well, and very publicly in websites like this: https://www.nasa.gov/specials/ESDSuppliersMap/index.html
Creating ties is likely just what it says. Providing a link from legislative staffers to Apple lobbyists to call upon when staffers have questions if their boss is being asked to sponsor a bill like H.R. 3816 or S.2992. I picked those two because they are the focus of Apple's current lobbying efforts.
When we look at lobbying disclosures, it is important to note that the numbers listed are not handouts to politicians. Lobbying expenses are not dollars provided to candidates or their campaigns. Lobbyists cannot pay for politicians to travel, buy them meals, or provide them gifts of any kind. Lobbying expenses include the salaries of staff or contractors engaged in lobbying, as well as the expenses incurred from lobbying activities such as legal opinions and legal advice, travel, printing, vehicle costs, hotels, professional services, etc.
Prove it. The lobbying laws are quite clear, and contributions are readily disclosed and tracked.
People can and do go to jail for violations. The FBI, U.S. DOJ, IRS, and when donation related, FEC enforcement do significant work enforcing donation and lobbying law.
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