### Apple’s Q4 2024 Earnings Call: Perspectives and Projections
The buzz surrounding Apple Inc.’s (AAPL) Q4 2024 earnings call, set for October 31, is significant among both investors and technology fans. This call will unveil the first official details regarding the sales outcomes of the newly introduced iPhone 16, which has sparked much speculation and enthusiasm within the tech community.
#### Summary of the Fiscal Quarter
The fiscal quarter under review runs from July to September, a pivotal time for Apple as it encompasses the introduction of its latest iPhone models. Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 began on September 13, with the devices becoming available in Apple Stores on September 20. Consequently, the earnings from this quarter will mirror the initial consumer reaction to the iPhone 16 series.
However, it should be emphasized that Apple does not reveal unit sales figures or differentiate between revenues generated pre-launch versus post-launch. Thus, while the earnings call will present a general overview of the iPhone 16’s appeal, it will not provide detailed insights into the total units sold or the comparison of pre-orders with sales after the launch.
#### Anticipations from the Earnings Call
Traditionally, Apple has avoided giving precise forecasts for future quarters. In the last earnings call, the company mentioned that it projects total revenue for the September quarter to rise year-over-year at a rate comparable to the June quarter, which experienced a growth of 4.87%. This indicates that Apple expects a stable, if unremarkable, input from the iPhone 16, differing from previous predictions of a super-cycle fueled by upgrades from older model users.
CFO Luca Maestri pointed out the intricacies involved in year-over-year evaluations, especially concerning the Mac and iPad product categories. The strong performance from the previous year was supported by the launches of new products like the MacBook Air 15-inch and the iPad Air and iPad Pro, complicating the assessment of current performance.
#### Services Revenue Expansion
One of the more encouraging forecasts from Apple relates to its Services sector, which has continually demonstrated growth. The company expects Services revenue to keep growing at a double-digit rate, similar to the figures reported in the first three quarters of the fiscal year. This expected growth is anticipated to be insulated from the effects of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) compliance in the European Union, indicating robustness in this area even amid regulatory hurdles.
#### Final Thoughts
As the earnings call draws near, attention will be fixed on Apple to determine how the iPhone 16 has fared in its initial weeks on the market. While the company’s overall revenue growth projections seem modest, the ongoing strength of its Services sector presents a positive aspect. Investors and analysts will be eager to analyze the data and remarks shared during the call to assess Apple’s future direction.
Stay tuned for in-depth coverage of the earnings call, featuring key figures and insights that will influence the discussion surrounding Apple’s performance in the upcoming months.
*Photo Credit: Apple*
