Technology giant Apple narrowly missed sales forecasts following an unexpected decline in iPhone sales during its second quarter.

Apple said iPhone sales fell 1% year-on-year to 50.7m phones, but its profits rose slightly as it sold more expensive ‘Plus’ models and grew its services division.

Profits increased by $513m to $11bn (£8.5bn) in the three months to April 30, and overall Apple sales came in at $52.9bn – up $2.3bn.

Apple reported its first ever decline in iPhone sales last year. Having returned to growth during the golden quarter, the iPhone dip meant Apple fell short of Wall Street expectations.

Sales of Mac computers advanced, but iPad sales continued to fall.

Apple chief executive Tim Cook said: “We are proud to report a strong March quarter, with revenue growth accelerating from the December quarter and continued robust demand for iPhone 7 Plus.”

He added that sales of the Apple Watch had doubled in the last year.