Apple today announced opening weekend sales of the iPhone 5 topped five million units, exceeding the four million iPhone 4S units sold during that device's debut weekend last year. The number follows the company's earlier announcement that it had taken over two million pre-orders for the device in the first 24 hours of availability. Apple also announced today that over 100 million devices have been upgraded to iOS 6.
“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.”
Apple's five million iPhone 5 unit sales seem to fall short of many analysts' expectations. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster last week predicted sales of eight million units based Apple's announced pre-order number, calling six million units the worst-case scenario for the company.
The iPhone 5 launched in nine countries last Friday, and will be debuting in 22 more countries this Friday, September 29.
