Apple revenue shoots up as Mac sales soar

Jobs: We don't yet know how this economic downturn will affect Apple

Apple grew sales of Mac computers by 21 per cent in its fourth quarter, contributing to total revenue of $7.9bn (£4.8bn), up from $6.2bn (£3.8bn) in the same period last year. Profit of $1.14bn (£700m) was also up from $904m (£553m).

The company shipped 2,611,000 Macintosh computers and 11,052,000 iPods - sales of the music player were up eight per cent.

Sales of the iPhone were also well up - 6,892,000 compared to 1,119,000 in the same quarter last year.

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs was cautious over prospects with a recession looming, but said that the company is in good shape to cope.

"Apple just reported one of the best quarters in its history, with a spectacular performance by the iPhone. We sold more phones than RIM," he said.

"We don't yet know how this economic downturn will affect Apple. But we're armed with the strongest product line in our history, the most talented employees and the best customers in our industry. And $25bn of cash safely in the bank with zero debt."