Apple has reported quarterly profits of $18bn (around €15.8bn) for the final three months of 2014 - the largest ever made by a public company.

The technology giant's financial performance was driven by a new range of larger iPhones, with 74.5 million handsets sold between October and December.

Its net profit far exceeds the previous record-holder, ExxonMobil, who reported earnings of $15.9bn (€14bn) during the second quarter of 2012.

Experts had predicted that Apple's total revenues would be $53.6bn (€46.6bn) for the quarter - but according to Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, this was closer to $74.6bn (€64.6bn).

According to technology analysts, it took Apple a long time to get to grips with the fact that the public wanted larger screens - causing their market share to plummet.

Gartner's Van Baker said: "They finally closed the gap on a feature they were missing, which their competition had capitalised on."

Some investors are concerned about how Apple will perform financially in the coming year, with iPad sales down 22% in the last quarter, and warnings that growth in the smartphone sector is beginning to slow.

The iPhone accounts for two-thirds of Apple's revenue and China sales rose 70% on the year, thanks to the larger screens of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Analysts now estimate the company is leading the smartphone market in China, despite its products costing double those of domestic rivals.

Although the California-based firm is planning to launch a smartwatch in March, it remains unclear whether the device will be a big hit with customers.

Other companies have been disappointed with demand for similar offerings, amid concerns that the battery life is insufficient for a whole day's use.

Apple is currently the world's most valuable company, with a market capitalisation of $651bn (€573bn).