YoY comparison for Sept qtr is disingenuous because in 2020 iPhone was launched in 2020 4Q while this year in 2021 3Q. so, 3Q is showing good YoY and that's why AAPL is saying Q4 comparison will be tough.
Secondly, this year VZ, TMUS and T are doing aggressive promos - only with the help of carrier promos $(AAPL)$ was able to meet these numbers. just imagine without those promos what pathetic state would AAPL earnings would have been. going down sooner or later.
lastly, AAPL has not yet seen impact of App store revenue hit due to Epic case ruling during Sept 2021 qtr.
hey days are over...