Using the reverse method, the numbers before Xiao Wei, Xiaolan, Xiao Qi, Xiao Qiang and Xiaoming took the apple were found in turn.

1. The number before Xiao Wei took the apple: (1+0.5)* 2 = 3.

2. The number before Xiaolan took the apple: (3+0.5)* 2 = 7.

3. Number of apples before Xiao Qi took them away: (7+0.5)* 2 = 15.

4. The number before Xiao Qiang took the apple: (15+0.5)* 2 = 3 1.

5. The number before Xiao Ming took the apple: (3 1+0.5)* 2 = 63.

So there are 63 apples.