Apple is projecting a stronger-than-expected holiday quarter, as CEO Tim Cook forecasts double-digit iPhone sales growth and a 10–12% increase in total revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2026. The company’s performance is being powered by intense global demand for the iPhone 17 series, even amid ongoing supply shortages and delayed shipments to China.
Despite missing iPhone sales forecasts in the previous quarter, Apple exceeded profit expectations thanks to strong AirPods sales and steady performance in its Mac, iPad, and services divisions. The company reported $102.47 billion in revenue and $1.85 per share in earnings, both surpassing market estimates.
Cook said Apple is still facing supply constraints on several iPhone 17 models but expects production to stabilize soon. “We’re fulfilling orders as fast as we can,” he noted. Meanwhile, Apple’s delayed iPhone Air release in China impacted Q4 results, but Cook remains optimistic about returning to growth in the region.
Analysts say Apple’s guidance, driven by demand for the iPhone Pro and base models, signals strong momentum heading into the holidays. As Apple prepares to roll out major Siri AI upgrades next year, the company is positioning itself to reclaim ground in the fast-moving artificial intelligence race.
