In an economic climate where many consumer tech companies are struggling to keep their heads above the water, Apple continue their strong growth with a third quarter profit of a staggering $15.7 billion, and net quarterly profit of $3.25 billion, or $3.51 per diluted share. When you compare this to their $9.73 billion revenue for the same period last year, Apple continues to defy the sag in the Global economy with their sales and popularity soaring across the globe.

Despite their recent iPhone 4 issues, Apple’s share price has barely shifted, showing that nothing seems to bruise the Apple.

While Apple’s iPod Sales were down by 8 percent during the quarter compared to a year ago, they still managed to sell off 9.41 million units, but the decline could also be due to the fact that the sales of iPhone’s are healthy, with 8.4 million sales, representing a 61% growth since same time last year. Lets face it, if you have an iPhone with iTunes built in, you don’t really need an iPod.

And if you’re like me and pretty much run your whole SEO business from the iPhone Apps available, the iPod starts looking a bit like a brick.

I would be intrigued to see how the Microsoft Zune, or as we call it ‘the Unicorn’ (has anyone actually seen one in existence?!) is going in the same marketplace for digital music players.
According to sources, Apple now has a 70% market share of the Digital music player market. Thats huge!

The sales of the iPad also have exceeded everyone’s expectations with 3.27 million sold in their first quarter.
Despite lacking the obvious missing features such as a camera for online chat, handwriting recognition and other features we were all hoping for, the unit is doing very well in the marketplace, and with very limited competition.

The iPad is finding it’s unique place in both the home and work environment, such as reports that many restaurants are now using them for their menus, which not only makes it easier to order but quick and easy to update. Who would have thought of the possibilities!

Apple’s CFO, Peter Oppenheimer, said “We’re really pleased to have generated over $4 billion of cash during the quarter”

I would be too, Peter.

Nice work once again Apple!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW APPLE’S THIRD QUARTER RESULTS