Apple sees first sales dip in more than a decade as super-growth era falters

A woman tries Apple's iPhone 6 at an Apple store in Beijing, in this November 2, 2015 file photo. Some of Apple Inc's main Asian suppliers expect revenues and orders to drop this quarter, indicating iPhone sales are almost certain to post their first annual decline since the flagship product was launched almost a decade ago. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/Files

SAN FRANCISCO: Apple Inc forecast its first revenue drop in 13 years and reported the slowest-ever increase in iPhone shipments as the critical Chinese market showed signs of weakening, suggesting the technology company's period of exponential growth may be ending. 

The slowdown comes as Wall Street analysts worry the company does not have another blockbuster product to replace the iPhone. Apple does not report Watch sales, but it does not appear to have the makings of being a hit on the same level as the iPhone a year after launch.