The company said the figures were distorted by Covid-related supply disruptions, which led to unusually strong sales during the same period last year.

It pledged that sales would return to growth in the months ahead, noting upcoming product launches and investments in artificial intelligence (AI).

For the iPhone, sales in the critical greater China market dropped by 8%. Mr Cook attempted to reassure investors about the state of the business in the world’s second largest economy, noting that iPhone sales were actually up in “mainland” China.

“I maintain a great view of China in the long term,” he said.

Competition in that market has been intensifying from local rivals such Huawei.

Gil Luria, senior software analyst at DA Davidson, said companies such as Huawei do well in China because “it is the homegrown brand”.

“But in terms of features, functionality and prestige, iPhone still has an advantage over any other handset,” he told the BBC’s Today programme.

“So any time consumers get the choice and have the resources they’re going to buy an iPhone – that’s not any different in China.”

Struggles at the company – which has endured a streak of sales declines for five of the last six quarters – marked a contrast with the wider market.

Globally, smartphone shipments rose 10% in the first three months of the year, expanding after a long lacklustre period, according to research firm Canalys.

Mr Luria said that for Apple, there hasn’t been “significant improvements to the handset” since the iPhone 15 was launched almost four years ago “when Apple introduced 5G connectivity which compelled a lot of consumers to upgrade the phone”.

He added: “What they’re hoping for now is that they can introduce enough new AI features into the iPhone 16 which will come out later this year in order to finally drive a big iPhone upgrade cycle.”