Smartphone users snapped up Apple's latest iteration of the iPhone in record numbers, the tech giant announced Monday, saying sales topped 10 million in three days.
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus sales eclipsed the launch figures of the 5S and 5C models, which moved 9 million units in their first three days last year, the Cupertino, California-based company said. Thousands of consumers had camped out at Apple retail stores around the world in advance of the launch, some for weeks.
CEO Tim Cook said despite technical glitches in the preorder process, "we couldn't be happier." Apple "could have sold many more iPhones with greater supply and we are working hard to fill orders as quickly as possible."
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The big number is significant for several reasons. Many analysts had been expecting Apple to match last year's launch tally, given that the company's biggest growth market—China— wasn't in play. Those analysts are now likely to boost their revenue and earnings estimates for Apple's fourth quarter, since all iPhones shipped before next Tuesday will be included in that period.