Apple late on Tuesday reported a 22.3% increase in revenue in its fiscal fourth quarter, driven by another strong performance in China and impressive growth again in iPhone sales.
The U.S. device maker’s turnover reached US$51.5 billion in the three months to 26 September, up from $42.1 billion in Q4 2014.
The Greater China region accounted for $12.5 billion of the total, up 99% year-on-year, cementing its place as Apple’s second-largest region behind the Americas, which accounted for $21.8 billion of the company’s Q4 revenue.
Profit surged to $11.1 billion from $8.5 billion a year earlier, and gross margin widened to 39.9% from 38%.
Once again, the iPhone was the standout performer, with fourth quarter unit shipments of 48 million, up from 39.3 million a year ago. Mac sales increased to 5.7 million from 5.5 million, while the iPad continued to struggle, with volumes sinking to 9.9 million from 12.3 million.
The company again talked up the contribution to revenue growth made by the Apple Watch; however, it still does not disclose how many units it shipped.
For the full year to 26 September, Apple generated revenue of $234 billion, up 28% on fiscal 2014.
"This continued success is the result of our commitment to making the best, most innovative products on earth, and it’s a testament to the tremendous execution by our teams," said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, in a statement on Tuesday.
For the fiscal first quarter of 2016, Apple expects to generate revenue of $75.5 billion-$77.5 billion, and gross margin between 39% and 40%.
"We are heading into the holidays with our strongest product line-up yet, including iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus, Apple Watch with an expanded line-up of cases and bands, the new iPad Pro and the all-new Apple TV which begins shipping this week," said Cook.
