Apple profit nearly doubles as lockdowns eased

Apple said Tuesday its profit in the just-ended quarter nearly doubled amid improving consumer spending and a “growing sense of optimism” as pandemic lockdowns eased.

The California tech giant’s profit rose to $21.7 billion on growth in iPhone sales and its increasingly important digital services.

Revenue surged 36 percent from a year ago to $81.4 billion, the best ever for the tech titan’s fiscal third quarter.

“This quarter saw a growing sense of optimism for consumers in the United States and around the world, driving renewed hope for a better future,” chief executive Tim Cook told a conference call.