Apple Sets New Quarterly Records * Science and Technology Times

Apple reported its fiscal 2026 first‑quarter results, posting all‑time highs in revenue and earnings per share.
Strong iPhone demand and continued growth in Services drove the company’s performance.
The installed base surpassed 2.5 billion active devices, reflecting sustained global adoption.

Record Revenue Driven by iPhone and Services

Apple announced financial results for the quarter ending December 27, 2025, revealing revenue of 143.8 billion dollars, a sixteen percent increase year over year. Diluted earnings per share reached 2.84 dollars, marking a nineteen percent rise compared to the same period last year. According to the company, iPhone sales achieved their highest quarterly performance to date, supported by strong demand in every geographic segment. Services revenue also reached a new record, growing fourteen percent year over year.

Tim Cook highlighted that the company’s installed base has now exceeded 2.5 billion active devices. This milestone reflects the continued expansion of Apple’s ecosystem across global markets. Cook noted that the results surpassed internal expectations, underscoring the resilience of the company’s product and service portfolio. The quarter’s performance demonstrates how hardware and digital services continue to reinforce each other.

Apple’s growth was broad‑based, with no region reporting declines. The company emphasized that both established and emerging markets contributed to the strong results. Demand for premium devices remained high despite broader economic uncertainties. The combination of hardware upgrades and expanding subscription services helped sustain momentum throughout the quarter.

Financial Performance and Cash Flow Highlights

CFO Kevan Parekh reported that Apple’s margins supported the nineteen percent increase in earnings per share. Operating cash flow reached nearly 54 billion dollars, reflecting the company’s ability to convert revenue into liquidity. This financial strength enabled Apple to return almost 32 billion dollars to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The company’s board declared a cash dividend of 0.26 dollars per share, payable on February 12, 2026.

Apple’s capital allocation strategy continues to balance shareholder returns with long‑term investment. The company maintains significant resources for research, development and infrastructure expansion. Strong cash flow also provides flexibility for future product initiatives and supply chain improvements. Parekh emphasized that disciplined financial management contributed to the quarter’s results.

The company’s earnings call will be streamed live on January 29, offering additional insight into performance drivers. Apple typically uses these sessions to discuss market trends, product updates and expectations for upcoming quarters. Investors will likely focus on the sustainability of iPhone demand and the trajectory of Services revenue. The webcast will remain available for replay for two weeks.

Ecosystem Growth and Market Position

Apple’s installed base milestone underscores the scale of its global footprint. More than 2.5 billion active devices create a foundation for recurring revenue through services, accessories and software. This ecosystem effect strengthens customer retention and supports long‑term growth. The company views this metric as a key indicator of user engagement and platform stability.

The expansion of the installed base also reflects the longevity of Apple products. Many devices remain active for years, contributing to sustained usage across multiple generations. This durability supports the company’s environmental commitments by extending product lifecycles. It also reinforces the value proposition for customers who rely on long‑term software support.

Services growth continues to benefit from this expanding user base. Subscriptions, cloud storage, media offerings and app ecosystem revenue all contribute to the segment’s performance. Apple’s strategy of integrating hardware and services appears to be a central driver of its financial results. The company expects this trend to continue as digital services become more embedded in daily life.