20.3 million iPhones sold in latest 90-day period

Bought an iPhone recently? You’re not alone. Amazingly, 20.3 million people bought an iPhone in the last quarter as Apple reported record earnings.

Revenues for the third quarter of the financial year were a whopping $28.57 billion (£17.72bn), with net profits of $7.31bn (£4.53bn). All of that before the iPhone 5 has touched the shelves. Not that the wait for new devices is slowing down Apple mobile sales, with that 20.3 million iPhone sales figure being 142% up on the same quarter last year. If that’s not enough, Apple also shifted 9.25 million iPads, despite initial stock shortages. That’s apparently an increase of 183% of last year. Not all things are on the rise, with iPods down 14%. Although that’s still a sales figure of 7.42 million. However, that trend could be bucked if Apple releases the rumoured 3G iPod touch in the coming months.

Apple’s chief was obviously happy with the figures: ‘We’re thrilled to deliver our best quarter ever, with revenue up 82% and profits up 125%,’ said Steve Jobs. ‘Right now, we’re very focused and excited about bringing iOS 5 and iCloud to our users this fall.’

No mention of that new iPhone 5, but we can presume that’s likely to appear, boosting figures still further in the final quarter. Possibly even more if a new iPad sneaks out too. More on that when we hear it.