UPDATED 07:58 EDT / SEPTEMBER 24 2012

iPhone 5 Sells Short Over Launch Weekend, Halves Expectations

Apple reported last week that they processed over two million pre-orders in just 24 hours when their online store started accepting orders for the iPhone 5.  The device is the fastest selling iPhone Apple has ever released, and it is expected that when the device is launched in retail shops, it would sell more than 10 million units during the first weekend of sales.

According to a report from Apple, they sold over five million iPhone 5 units during the weekend of the official retail launch in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the UK, which kicked off last September 21.  They expect to sell more iPhone 5’s as the device becomes available in another 22 countries next month, and in more shops worldwide by the end of the year.  But because of the overwhelming demand for the newest iPhone, they’ve run out of stock and some of those who pre-ordered the iPhone 5 will have to wait until October to get it.

“Demand for iPhone 5 has been incredible and we are working hard to get an iPhone 5 into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “While we have sold out of our initial supply, stores continue to receive iPhone 5 shipments regularly and customers can continue to order online and receive an estimated delivery date. We appreciate everyone’s patience and are working hard to build enough iPhone 5s for everyone.”

Though sales over the weekend did not reach some expectations, it cannot be denied that the iPhone 5’s popularity is impressive.  Though some have bashed Apple for releasing a boring iPhone, consumers do not see the iPhone 5 as boring, but as another iDevice to add to their collection.

And even if a lot of iPhone 5 users and those who upgraded to iOS 6 were complaining about the new Maps and YouTube missing on the new device and the new OS, that didn’t stop others from lining up outside retail stores to get their hand on the new iPhone.  It looks like the iPhone 5 is another big hit with consumers, despite selling only half of what analysts expected for launch weekend.


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