Apple posts better-than-anticipated earnings fueled by iPhone sales

Positive report comes after company’s rare stumbles on revenue, profit and sales in February and highlights strength of the brand

Apple posted better-than-anticipated second quarter earnings on Thursday, boosting hopes of a tentative tech recovery and sending company shares up.

The company reported revenue of $94.84bn in its second quarter earnings, up from a predicted $92.96bn, and an all-time record in its services division. It also reported a March quarter record for iPhone sales.