China bright spot in Apple’s weak earnings

Apple (AAPL.NASDAQ) saw revenue from the Greater China region surge 29% from a year earlier to US$8.84 billion for the first quarter ended December 28, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing company earnings released on Monday. Sales in North America and Latin America fell 1% over the same period. Greater China, which includes Hong Kong and Taiwan, accounted for more than 15% of Apple’s total revenue, compared to 13% a year earlier. Solid Greater China sales came with few surprises after the company changed the timing of its product releases in mainland China.