Apple posts 33 percent hike in profits post selling 61.1 million iPhones in Q1

Apple has reportedly recorded a 33 percent hike in profits from a year earlier post selling 61.1 million iPhones in Q1 2015.

The iPhone maker reported a 13.6 billion dollar profit while its revenue went up by 27 percent to 58 billion dollars, reported the BBC.

The firm's sales in China increased by 71 percent to 16.8 billion dollars, surpassing sales in the United States for the first time and resulting in a sharp profit rise.

Apple declared that it will ramp up its share-buying programme and return about 200 billion dollars to investors, up from 130 billion dollars.

The tech giant said that it currently had a record of 195 billion dollars in cash on its books.

The sales of its iPad tablet remained sluggish as Apple sold 12.6 million units, down 23 percent from last year.

Chief Executive Tim Cook said that the company was thrilled by the "continued strength of iPhone, Mac and the App Store," which helped them in recording the best March quarter results ever.

The firm's shares rose over one percent after markets closed.