The tech titan reported a net profit of $42.1 billion on $143.8 billion in revenue, underscoring its enduring supremacy in the global smartphone arena.

CEO Tim Cook hailed the quarter as the iPhone’s “best-ever,” with global sales totaling $85.2 billion, including a remarkable $25.5 billion from Greater China, up from $18.5 billion year-on-year.

Apple’s services segment spanning digital content, subscription platforms, and entertainment achieved a record $30 billion, reflecting a 14 percent year-on-year expansion.

The company also confirmed that the cumulative number of Apple devices in active circulation worldwide has now surpassed 2.5 billion.

Looking ahead, Apple anticipates 13–16 percent sequential revenue growth for the current quarter. However, Cook cautioned that manufacturing bottlenecks, stemming from constrained supplies of advanced memory modules and high-end semiconductor components, may limit output.

“We are in a supply pursuit to meet exceptionally elevated consumer demand,” he said, adding that synchronizing supply with demand remains challenging.

Following the release, Apple shares rose ~1 percent in after-hours trading. Analyst Jacob Bourne of Emarketer noted that the results affirm Apple’s strategic agility amidst a rapidly evolving technological landscape, though sustaining its market hegemony will require astute pricing strategies and relentless innovation, particularly in wearables and the anticipated foldable iPhone.

Apple confirmed a multi-year alliance with Google to integrate Gemini AI across its device ecosystem, including a highly personalized Siri assistant. This marks a paradigm shift for Apple, historically renowned for its in-house technology development.

Cook emphasized that Google’s AI will enable Apple to unlock novel experiences and innovate profoundly, signaling a renewed push into artificial intelligence after scrutiny over prior execution, including the recent departure of the head of its AI team.

In parallel, Apple acquired Q.ai, an Israeli startup specializing in facial expression analytics, reinforcing its ambition to expand AI-driven user engagement.

Amid these developments, speculation regarding Apple’s succession planning continues, with John Ternus, head of hardware engineering, considered a prime contender for the CEO role.