Apple Reports Strong Q4 Earnings, Expects Record December Quarter on iPhone 17 Demand

Mark Eisenberg
Photo: Finoracle.net

Apple Q4 2025 Earnings Surpass Expectations

Apple Inc. reported fiscal fourth-quarter earnings that outperformed analyst consensus, driven by solid performance across key business segments. The company posted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.85, exceeding the $1.77 forecast, alongside revenue of $102.47 billion, slightly above the $102.24 billion estimate.
  • EPS: $1.85 vs. $1.77 estimated
  • Revenue: $102.47 billion vs. $102.24 billion estimated

Segment Performance Highlights

  • iPhone revenue: $49.03 billion (below $50.19 billion estimate)
  • Mac revenue: $8.73 billion (above $8.59 billion estimate)
  • iPad revenue: $6.95 billion (near $6.98 billion estimate)
  • Other Products (Apple Watch, AirPods, Vision Pro): $9.01 billion (above $8.49 billion estimate)
  • Services revenue: $28.75 billion (exceeding $28.17 billion estimate)
Apple CEO Tim Cook attributed the strong outlook for the December quarter to robust demand for the newly launched iPhone 17, describing consumer reception as “off the chart.” He forecasted total company revenue growth of 10 to 12 percent year-over-year, with iPhone revenue expected to increase in double digits, potentially making it the company’s best December quarter ever.
“We expect total company revenue to grow by 10 to 12% year over year, we expect iPhone revenue to grow double digits, year over year, and we expect that that would make the December quarter the best ever in the history of the company,” said Tim Cook.
Analysts surveyed by LSEG had anticipated December quarter sales of $132.31 billion and EPS of $2.53. Apple’s guidance surpasses these predictions, projecting approximately $138 billion in revenue, representing 11% growth from the previous year’s holiday quarter.

iPhone 17 Demand and Supply Constraints

The iPhone segment reported $49.03 billion in revenue for the quarter, reflecting a 6% increase. However, this figure fell short of the $50.19 billion expected by analysts, partly due to supply constraints affecting several iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 models.
“Currently, we’re supply constrained on several models of the iPhone 17,” Cook acknowledged, emphasizing the strong demand outstripping supply.
The iPhone 17 launched on September 19, providing just over a week of sales in the quarter. Despite the limited timeframe, consumer enthusiasm and in-store traffic have risen significantly year-over-year.

Services and Other Products Growth

Apple’s services division, encompassing digital subscriptions like iCloud, Apple Music, App Store fees, and AppleCare, saw 15% growth to $28.75 billion. This segment remains crucial due to its recurring revenue model and higher profit margins.
“It was a run of the table,” Cook said regarding the accelerating growth across most services components.
Conversely, the Other Products category, which includes Apple Watch, AirPods, and Vision Pro, experienced a slight decline, registering $9.01 billion in sales.

Mac and iPad Performance

The Mac segment delivered robust 13% growth to $8.73 billion, fueled by strong sales of the MacBook Air. The laptop received a refresh in March, including a $100 price cut that reduced the starting price to $999. Meanwhile, iPad revenue remained flat at $6.95 billion. Although no new models were released during the quarter, Apple introduced an upgraded iPad Pro with an M5 chip in October.

Geographic Sales and Tariff Costs

Sales in Greater China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, declined 4% year-over-year to $14.5 billion. Cook expressed optimism for a return to growth in the region in the upcoming quarter, citing positive reception of the iPhone 17 lineup. Apple absorbed $1.1 billion in tariff-related costs during the September quarter and expects $1.4 billion in the December quarter. The company has chosen not to raise prices in response, instead managing these costs within gross margin, which stood at 47.2%, exceeding the anticipated 46.4%.
“We held the pricing that we would have done without any tariffs, and we’re just absorbing the tariffs in gross margin,” Cook noted.

Outlook on Technology and Partnerships

Looking ahead, Apple plans to release an updated version of Siri next year and continue expanding partnerships like the integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence.
“Our intention is to integrate with more people over time,” Cook stated, highlighting ongoing advancements in AI and user experience.

FinOracleAI — Market View

Apple’s latest earnings report underscores its resilience amid supply chain challenges and tariff pressures. The company’s optimistic guidance for the December quarter is anchored by robust iPhone 17 demand and accelerating services growth, positioning Apple for strong holiday season performance.
  • Opportunities: Continued expansion of high-margin services revenue; strong holiday sales momentum from iPhone 17; growth potential in AI integration and software partnerships.
  • Risks: Supply constraints limiting iPhone sales growth; tariff costs impacting gross margins; slower recovery in Greater China sales region.

Impact: Positive — Apple’s robust Q4 performance and confident guidance signal sustained growth potential, supported by product innovation and recurring revenue streams.

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Mark Eisenberg is a financial analyst and writer with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Mark specializes in investment strategies, market analysis, and personal finance. His work has been featured in prominent publications like The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Forbes. Mark’s articles are known for their in-depth research, clear presentation, and actionable insights, making them highly valuable to readers seeking reliable financial advice. He stays updated on the latest trends and developments in the financial sector, regularly attending industry conferences and seminars. With a reputation for expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness, Mark Eisenberg continues to contribute high-quality content that helps individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions.​⬤