As reported earlier, Apple (AAPL: sentiment, chart, options) stepped into the earnings confessional after the close this evening to release its third-quarter earnings figures. For the quarter, AAPL reported net earnings of $1.19 per share, compared to 92 cents last year. Wall Street was looking for a profit of $1.08 per share. Revenue for the quarter arrived at $7.46 billion, topping expectations for earnings of $7.37 billion.

Also in the report, Mac unit sales were 2.5 million for the third quarter, while iPod unit sales arrived at 11.01 million.

However, the company placed forth-quarter earnings expectations at $1.00 per share, well below the consensus estimate for $1.25 per share. Revenue guidance was also light, with Apple expecting fourth-quarter revenue of $7.8 billion, versus expectations for $8.3 billion.

Following the weak fourth-quarter outlook, AAPL shares plunged about 4.6% to $158.60 in after-hours trading. Look for the stock to contend with technical support at the 160 level in tomorrow's trading. A hold above this level of long-term support by Tuesday's close could be a bullish sign for the shares.