I don't think what you are talking about is 'culture'. Skateboarding in the offices or playing games is only a portion of the culture at start-ups. The Apple culture that gets talked about is the secrecy of their product development, their dedication to clean design (even to the detriment of product), etc. etc.
I was talking to a friend yesterday who used to work for Apple. I assumed he got discounts on all his Apple stuff, like former Microsoft and Adobe employees (among others). His words 'Apple doesn't do that stuff'. Very minor discounts for employees, no employee catering, dry cleaning, etc.
So I suspect the 'cultural cues' you are looking for don't exist at Apple.
Another thing that was said yesterday is that Apple's culture essentially boils down to 'You should be honored to be allowed to work here and create this stuff, so why should Apple bother catering to you'.
Still, my friend is a crazy Fanboy. I don't get it.
