{
  "id": 17880905,
  "title": "Apple sales meet estimates, though China is a weak spot",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/apple-sales-meet-estimates-though-china-is-a-weak-spot",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-02T23:45:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times Business",
    "slug": "straits-times-business",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/business/apple-sales-meet-estimates-though-china-is-a-weak-spot"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple's September quarter revenue narrowly surpassed analysts' estimates, despite a weak performance in China. Revenue rose 12% to US$114.5 billion during the fiscal fourth quarter, ending on September 26, according to the company's statement on November 3, data compiled by Bloomberg reported. Analysts had projected US$113.5 billion on average. The quarterly report, the first under new CEO John Ternus, provided a mixed view for investors. Sales growth slowed from a 16% increase in the June quarter, and iPad and wearables businesses experienced weak results. However, the iPhone, Apple's primary revenue generator, remained robust. Shares of Apple increased slightly after the report was released but had gained 24% in 2026 through the close. Ternus took over as CEO on September 1, managing Apple's final month of the quarter. He has since introduced the foldable iPhone Duo, touch-screen MacBook Pro, and HomeView hub. These products did not go on sale until the current quarter, which runs through December. Apple had forecasted fourth-quarter revenue growth of 9% to 11%. While sales from mainland China rose 21% to US$17.5 billion, that figure was more than US$1 billion below estimates. iPhone sales grew 17% to US$57.6 billion, exceeding the average estimate of US$56.5 billion. The company's services segment, comprising music streaming, the App Store, iCloud subscriptions, Apple TV, and other digital offerings, increased 9.8% to US$31.6 billion, meeting expectations. Earnings stood at US$2.10 per share, surpassing the estimated US$2. Mac revenue climbed 24% to US$10.8 billion, outperforming the average forecast of US$9.7 billion. New products, including a touch-screen MacBook Pro, refreshed iMac, and low-end MacBook Pro, are due to launch on November 6, with further Mac updates planned in the coming months. The iPad contributed US$6.23 billion, falling short of the estimated US$6.9 billion. Sales from wearables, home, and accessories declined 7.9% year-over-year, failing to meet the predicted US$9 billion. The company launched the AirPods 5 earbuds and two smartwatches during the quarter, but the updates were relatively minor.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}