Global iPhone 3G sales seem to have helped Apple toward stronger earnings

Apple reported a 15% rise in earnings for the second quarter of the fiscal year over last year's figures this Wednesday. That works out to an estimated profits of $1.31 bln. vs. the $1.05 bln. they managed to squeak over the same period of 2008. The increase was due to accelerated sales of the Apple TV, iPhone 3G and iPod. iPhone 3G sales soared 123% to 3.79 million units thanks to its availability in many countries. Doubtlessly, with nearly 1 bln. single applications sold since its launch 9 months ago, the sky-rocketing sales on the Apple App Store must have contributed to the fiscal result as well. Great market demand for the iPhone seems to have helped not only Apple, but provided AT&T with a nice fiscal boost as well, the latter reporting increased Q1 earnings due to increased sales of the Apple's smartphone, as we reported earlier Wednesday.

Company CEO Steve Jobs was on medical leave during Q1, but is expected back at work in June despite having stepped back in January. At a conference call CFO Peter Oppenheimer told analysts "We look forward to Steve returning to Apple at the end of June."

source: Apple via RTT News