SAN FRANCISCO — Apple said Wednesday (Jan 27) that profits surged in the final three months of the year on growing sales of iPhones and services, which lifted revenues to an all-time record.

Profit in the period ended Dec 26 rose 29 per cent from a year ago to US$28.7 billion (S$38.2 billion), while revenues grew 21 per cent to US$111.4 billion, with international sales accounting for nearly two-thirds of sales.

Sales topped the US$100 billion mark for the first time as Apple won over pandemic-hit consumers with new gadgets and services.

"We're gratified by the enthusiastic customer response to the unmatched line of cutting-edge products that we delivered across a historic holiday season," chief executive Tim Cook said.

Apple said iPhone sales accounted for nearly US$66 billion, leading all other products and growing some 18 per cent.

But the tech giant also saw strong growth in wearables, including its Apple Watch, delivering US$12.9 billion in sales for that category in the company's fiscal first quarter.

Services accounted for US$15.7 billion as Apple grew sales of music, digital content, cloud computing and subscriptions. AFP