Apple's Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook believes that China can still provide opportunities for growth despite the recent economic slowdown in the country. He made this statement on Wednesday after news surfaced that his company beat expectations of analysts both on sales and income for the third quarter.

Like Us on Facebook

Geek Wire reported that Apple's third quarter sales reached over $51 billion, while its income figures was placed at more than $11 billion.

Cook said that Apple's sales in China has virtually doubled compared to 2014. Sales of Apple products in the last quarter of 2014 was about $6 billion compared to sales in the third quarter of 2015, which rose to more $12 billion.

The combined market of China including its two territories Hong Kong and Macau as well as Taiwan is Apple's largest market outside North America.

Apple's CEO said that his company's investment in china is meant to last for many years to come. He adds that China will soon be the company's top market in terms of sales. Cook observed that the number Chinese developers for Apple's iOS are increasing at a rate that outpaces those in other countries.

The iPhone 6 was listed as the smartphone of choice by many Chinese customers in the mainland as of the last quarter, according to Cook. He boasted that increase happened as most smartphone makers saw a decrease in the number of their units sold over the same period.

Cook said that China's economic slowdown seems to have no effect on the customers demand for iPhone and Apple products. He cited a McKinsey survey in which China's middle class is estimated to reach around half a billion people in five years time.

Meanwhile, Apple investors are eager to see if the company's holiday sales in 2015 can surpass its record last year, according to Reuters.

Analysts said that almost 25 percent of Apple's sales comes from the Chinese market. Apple has a total of 25 China outlets and there are plans to open around 12 more every year, according to Apple spokesperson Luca Maestri.

Experts say the global sales of iPhone units reached more than 48 million as of September 26.

Tagsiphone 6 sales, iPhone 6 Sales in China, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Apple products, Apple China Stores, China smartphone news