Notes of interest from Apple's Q4 2016 conference call

Apple closed the book on its fiscal 2016 with a quarterly earnings conference call, marking the end of the first year where iPhone sales declined. However, Apple is bullish on its outlook, particularly with the newly released iPhone 7 series and a growing services business.

Participating in Tuesday's conference call with analysts and members of the press were Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook and Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri. Notes of interest follow.

Highlights

• iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus demand continues to outstrip supply
• Apple expects to have more than 100 HomeKit-certified accessories available by year end
• In a rare move, Maestri teased that Apple has news for Mac fans coming very soon
• Apple ended the quarter with $237 billion in cash, an increase of more than $6 billion from last quarter

Apple's iPhone business

iPhone sales were up 33 of top 40 markets

More customers switched from Android to iPhone than ever before

Apple has seen a marked increase in monthly active users for Messages since the launch of iOS 10

iPhone ASP edged slightly higher above $600. The company expects a marked increase in iPhone ASPs in the December quarter, reflecting the launch of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

Maestri cited a survey saying that 79% of consumers planning to buy a smartphone in the December quarter will choose an iPhone.

"On an anecdotal business, the upgrade programs are a win," Cook said of the iPhone 7 launch.

Cook said Apple will likely catch up with iPhone 7 demand by the end of the quarter. He's less certain about iPhone 7 Plus.

Apple's services business

Music revenue grew 22% thanks to Apple Music

Apple Pay completed more transactions in the month of September than across all of fiscal 2015

Apple Watch

Cook highlighted how Aetna is subsidizing Apple Watch for customers to encourage healthier lifestyles, and also distributing the wearable among 50,000 of its own employees.

HomeKit

Cook said Apple expects to have more than 100 certified HomeKit accessories available before the end of the year.

Nodding to the recent Internet of Things botnet attack that took down huge swaths of the internet, Cook noted that Apple's HomeKit only allows approved devices to ensure customer security.

Apple's iPad business

Apple once again cited best-in-market purchase intentions among consumers and businesses for iPad. Satisfaction ratings for the iPad are also north of 90%.

Apple's next (Q1 fiscal 2017) quarter

Revenue is projected between $76 billion and $78 billion, representing a return to growth and an all-time record.

Gross margin is expected to be between 38% and 38.5%.