The influence of flower bud position on bloom, fruit quality, and fruit maturity was investigated on `Rome Beauty' apple (Malus domestica Borkh.). Limbs on trees containing spur terminal flower buds and lateral flower buds were tagged and the number of blossoms counted every three days until bloom ended. At harvest, fruit from each bud type were selected and seed number, fresh weight, fruit quality characteristics, and onset of ethylene production were measured. Spur terminal flower buds began blooming earlier, blossomed for a longer period of time, and produced more blossoms than lateral flower buds. Fruit from spur terminal flower buds had more seeds, were heavier, and contained more starch than lateral bud fruit. Lateral bud fruit had higher pressure values, due to smaller size, and higher soluble solids, due to consumption of starch reserves. Fruit color and titratable acidity were not significantly different regardless of bud position. Spur terminal fruit started producing ethylene eight days later than lateral bud fruit, indicating they were maturing less quickly. Cultivars such as `Fuji', `Gala', and `Braeburn' display similar growth and fruiting habits.