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When Steve Jobs died in October critics wondered if Apple could survive the loss of its greatest innovator.  If Tuesday's numbers are any indicator the answer is yes.

According to CNN Money, Apple sold 37 million iPhones, 15.4 million iPads, and 5.2 million Macs in the last quarter to generate $46.3 billion in sales.  The record-breaking numbers increased 73% from a year ago.

Apple managed to rake in $97.6 billion in profit despite an initial lackluster response to the iPhone 4s, the latest Apple release.  After pushing back the iPhone's release date to a fall launch, anticipation for the iPhone 5 was at an all-time high.  To the disappointment of many, Apple instead delivered an identical twin to the iPhone 4 and slapped an "s" to the end of its name.

Could Apple junkies learn to love a product for what it offered on the inside--a faster processor and Siri, the colorful voice recognition software--and ignore its repetitive exterior?  The Apple aficionados soon found out asking Siri that question themselves was part of the fun.  Tell her you love her and she'll bite back with "All you need is love.  And your iPhone."

How right she is.  According to CNN Money, iPhones alone pulled in an impressive $24.4 billion in sales during the quarter.

Apple is on track to continue ruling America with an iron fist, now expected to surpass Exxon as the biggest U.S. public company.  The Wall Street Journal said Apple's rising stock prices in after-hours trading should clinch the title for the top spot by Wednesday, up 8% at $454.10.

Apple could open Wednesday at $427.5 billion to top Exxon's $418 billion cap, said S&P's senior index analyst Howard Silverblatt.

Despite an impressive array of numbers, Mashable wondered if it's all downhill from here for Apple and Cook.  The tech site said Cook's caution is both his greatest strength and his Achilles heel.

Rather than bask in the glory of Apple's success, Cook instead harped on the challenges the company faced in the first quarter, including shortages stemming from floods in Thailand.  Mashable said Cook continued to dwell on the company's failure to produce an adequate amount of iPhone4Ss or release the product in China.

Analysts pointed to increased competition from Android products that could force Apple to abdicate its throne.  Mashable cited one analyst who said Androids beat the iPhone in screen size and speed, and continues to push toward innovation in battery life.

Apple plans to remain a top innovator and earner with the launch of next generation iPads and iPhones, expected to hit the market in the upcoming year. 

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