Apple reported a strong improvement in sales in its fiscal first quarter to December, with revenues up 21 percent year-on-year to a new record of USD 111.4 billion. The launch of the 5G iPhone 12 series in October contributed to over 17 percent growth in iPhone revenues to USD 65.6 billion, and Apple's expanding range of subscription services and consumer demand for entertainment drove services revenue 24 percent higher to USD 15.8 billion.
Apple showed higher sales across all geographic regions, but the biggest improvement was in China, with revenues up 57 percent from a year ago to USD 21.3 billion. The Americas remained its largest market, with revenues up 12 percent to USD 46.3 billion, and sales in Europe rose 17 percent to USD 27.3 billion.
The iPad was the product category with the strongest sales growth, up 41 percent to USD 8.4 billion, after the launch of the new iPad Air in October. Mac sales were up 21 percent to USD 8.7 billion, and other devices, including the Apple Watch, Home and headphones, rose 30 percent to USD 13.0 billion.
The company's net profit increased 29 percent year-on-year to USD 28.8 billion, and earnings per share improved to USD 1.68 from USD 1.25 a year ago. After record operating cash flow of USD 38.8 billion, the company paid over USD 30 billion out to shareholders in dividends and buybacks during the quarter. The dividend was left at USD 0.205 per share.
Apple again did not give a forecast for the next quarter's results.
