China is absolutely core to Apple's future success

The latest profits numbers from Apple are due out later on Tuesday.

While the world's most valuable technology firm is expecting to post an increase in its numbers, analysts don't foresee a repeat of the stellar performances of the past.

The results will also come just as an Australian court begins a hearing regarding the company's global patent war with Samsung Electronics.

Andrew Milroy from Frost & Sullivan, told the BBC's Asia Business Report that China is now the key to Apple's future success.