Apple sells record number of iPhones as rumours emerge of next-generation model

Apple says it has sold record numbers of iPhones, while rumours are starting to emerge of what the iPhone 7 – expected to launch next year – could look like.

The tech giant says it sold more than 48 million iPhones in the fourth financial quarter of 2015, which is a record for the period

Apple also sold more than 5.7 million Macs, which it says is an all-time record. The $5 billion (£3.3 billion) it made from services is also an all-time record.

Most successful year ever

The figures have helped Apple to a quarterly revenue result of $51.5 billion (£33.7 billion) and a net profit of $11.1 billion (£7.3 billion).

Apple chief executive Tim Cook says: “Fiscal 2015 was Apple’s most successful year ever, with revenue growing 28% to nearly $234 billion (£153 billion).

“This continued success is the result of our commitment to making the best, most innovative products on earth, and it’s a testament to the tremendous execution by our teams.”

Meanwhile, speculation is starting to emerge about what next year’s iPhone launch – which could be the iPhone 7 – might bring.

Buttonless iPhone

Research analyst Gene Munster, quoted on Barron’s, says: “While we are still almost a year away from the next iPhone launch, we believe it is worth considering what the next cycle may bring. Given a number change cycle, we expect the iPhone 7 to sport a unique design from the iPhone 6/6S.”

Munster adds that there is a “50% chance” that the next model iPhone might not have a home button – which would be sacrificed as Apple makes the screen bigger for new 3D Touch technology.

He also speculates that the iPhone 7 could boast better battery life – which has already been brought in for Macbooks – and, like the Apple Watch, have a sapphire screen.

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