Sales in Apple’s iPhone and Macintosh computer continue to rise.

Technology giant Apple has posted a 50% increase in profit for the first quarter of its 2010 fiscal year to 26 December 2009, proving that some businesses are recession-proof.

The company’s financial results painted a very bright outlook. Apple posted a net quarterly profit of $3.38 billion (£2.08bn), compared to $2.26bn a year ago.

The iPhone continues to be one of Apple’s biggest winners, despite having its debut almost four years ago. During the quarter more than 8.7 million were sold, an increase of 100%. Macintosh computers have also given the company a welcome sales boost with 33% growth in the quarter compared to a year ago.

However, the popularity of the iPod appears to be waning. The company reported an 8% decline in sales to 21 million for the three months.

Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, said: “The new products we are planning to release this year are very strong, starting this week with a major new product that we’re really excited about.”

Anticipation has been mounting over Apple’s latest product, which is expected to be its challenge to Microsoft and HP’s touch screen Slate computer, which has been kept securely under wraps.

The Tablet, expected to be launched on Wednesday (27 January), is hotly tipped to be the next big thing and multiple reports have described its appearance as a 10 to 11 inch iPhone or iPod Touch.