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Apple announces record 4 million preorders for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in first 24 hours

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Apple has just announced that preorders for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have topped all previously set records, achieving 4 million sales in the first twenty-four hours. In the press release, Cook said he is thrilled that customers love them “as much as we do”.

Apple® today announced a record number of first day pre-orders of iPhone® 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, the biggest advancements in iPhone history, with over four million in the first 24 hours. Demand for the new iPhones exceeds the initial pre-order supply and while a significant amount will be delivered to customers beginning on Friday and throughout September, many iPhone pre-orders are scheduled to be delivered in October.

The issues with Apple’s online sales system do not seem to have deterred interested shoppers. Although the iPhone 5s did not have preorders at all last year, for comparison, Apple sold 9 million iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c’s in their opening weekend. 4 million is a massive number, easily beating previous preorder numbers. The iPhone 5 managed 2 million preorders in 24 hours back in 2012.

Apple had already said that the phones had set overnight sales records on Friday, but now we have firm (good) numbers to back up this statement. The two phones, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, go on public sale on the 19th of September. Customers looking to buy online today face waiting periods spanning 7 days to 4 weeks.

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be available in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore and the UK beginning this Friday, September 19 and in more than 20 additional countries beginning on Friday, September 26 including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

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Comments

  1. Michael Superczynski - 10 years ago

    Cue the “Apple is doomed” comments.

    • Computer_Whiz123 - 10 years ago

      why? apple had over 4 million pre-orders in 24 hours…

      better than samsung.

      • Michael Superczynski - 10 years ago

        New to Apple? No matter how good Apple does with any product announcement, there are always those who say things like “Apple is doomed”.

      • Computer_Whiz123 - 10 years ago

        True. Samsung is (and has been) directly attacking apple in their ads…

      • Computer_Whiz123 - 10 years ago

        But apple’s devices exceed samsung’s when it comes to design and quality.

      • Michael Superczynski - 10 years ago

        “But apple’s devices exceed samsung’s when it comes to design and quality.”
        Since when does reality have anything to do with Samsung (or any other Apple basher)?

      • Computer_Whiz123 - 10 years ago

        Uuh. Never….

      • sarcasm… duh

      • Computer_Whiz123 - 10 years ago

        No, not sarcasm. If you look at my website you’ll see that I am totally AGAINST samsung

      • OMG. /facepalm

      • jaretfrappier - 10 years ago

        This thread made my day.

  2. Computer_Whiz123 - 10 years ago

    Wow… lots of people want the iPhone 6…

  3. tmoore4075 - 10 years ago

    How much do we think the larger screen played into this? I think quite a bit personally. But ya know 4 inches is the perfect size for one handed use.

    • ddialogue (@ddialogue) - 10 years ago

      I prefer a larger screen size and with the arrival of the 6 Plus I can now try my first iPhone. 6 Plus arriving on the 19th.

      • Michael Superczynski - 10 years ago

        You are in for a real treat! Have fun.

      • tmoore4075 - 10 years ago

        5.5 is a little much for me I think. Had the OnePlus One in my hands and it was just too much. My Nexus 4 is 4.7 and I like it. I like the idea of a larger screen in some instances but not all the time.

      • jsbrock - 10 years ago

        I guess its too early to start talking about the next iPhone rumors. One thing I can say though, it will also likely be a roaring 6S.

    • Raido Orumets - 10 years ago

      Recently 9to5mac made a poll, which model clients prefer. Almost 80% voted they are going to switch to bigger screen and iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Personally I think that percentage is even higher :) 90-95% are prefering bigger screen to smaller screen :)

      And I think (not looking the poll results) iPhone 6 Plus buyers are going to be much more than iPhone 6 buyers. Also many “Android OS” phone users are switching to iPhone 6 Plus (and iPhone 6), because they were “forced” to be using Android bigger screen phones, because Apple doesn’t have bigger screen phones before.

      • tmoore4075 - 10 years ago

        I like both (Android and iOS) and still have in my head maybe going back but wanted to try something new. I have an iPad Mini but just wanted to try something different. But I do know people who weren’t fans of Android and wanted the larger screen. When I had my Nexus One (3.7 inches) I remember thinking 4.3 was too big, like I heard from many Apple users. BUT then I got one and I was like “how did I ever deal with smaller?” I “test drove” the 5s through t-mobile back in June and while it worked nicely, I felt like I was holding a toy. That’s what 3 years of 4.3 inch screen or bigger will do to you.

      • boardflyer (@boardflyer) - 10 years ago

        I am getting the smaller iPhone 6 because I already have something big enough in my trousers. There is only so much room down there.

      • Michael Superczynski - 10 years ago

        boardflyer (@boardflyer)
        “I am getting the smaller iPhone 6 because I already have something big enough in my trousers. There is only so much room down there.”
        Stop crapping in your pants and there will be room. :)

    • PMZanetti - 10 years ago

      The larger screen is merely something new and different. Hence, attracting people to update to the 8th entry in a very mature product line.

      Some people actually want a larger phone. Some just want something new…anything new. The iPhone 6 was carefully planned and crafted to be just that.

    • pecospeet - 10 years ago

      But what about those of us who don’t use only one hand? 99% of the time I use two hands. So I figured I could ignore all the comments about how bigger is bad for one handed people. That’s why Apple is smart to have multiple sizes – to appeal to the various types of people who use them.

  4. Craig Storm (@craigstorm) - 10 years ago

    And away we go! Apple is sold out, with demand widely outstripping initial supply. DOOMED! LOL. Every year the same idiots try to spin these launches negatively.

    • Laughing_Boy48 - 10 years ago

      Obviously if Apple sells 20 million iPhones in a week but runs short of inventory, Tim Cook should be fired because he should have had 30 million ready. Woe is he who makes a mistake by not having anticipated overwhelming demand.

      /s
      There’s always a negative spin by the low-life bloggers who have to have some sort of anti-Apple story to bolster their own miserable lives.

      • Michael Superczynski - 10 years ago

        None of us knows much about how Apple decides how much inventory to have on hand at product launch. For all we know, Apple’s factories are churning out iPhones as fast as physically possible and is still unable to meet demand. Building more factories may not be the answer to this problem.

  5. daving313 - 10 years ago

    Note to Amazon: stop making phones and bring Firefly to iOS.

  6. Zoheb Khan - 10 years ago

    hahaha thats like my APPLE :D

  7. eldonchew - 10 years ago

    Meanwhile at Samsung.. Galaxy S5 reaches 10 million sales in 25 days
    LOLOL.

  8. airmanchairman - 10 years ago

    Yep, “the Mother of all upgrades” is well under way…

  9. routsis77 - 10 years ago

    I would love to see the actual preorder list… 4 million preorders… yes sure it is… like anyone really cares other than investors… Apple’s Bragging is a real turn off… and the show’s ending with that idiotic and very pathetic act was just shamefully awkward. Oh well.. enjoy fanboys… another 12 months of What’s the new iPhone 6S gonna look like?

    • Michael Superczynski - 10 years ago

      The facts are the facts. Nothing wrong with Apple stating the facts. And yes, I will enjoy my iPhone 6 thank you.

      • He’s right. No one cares about #’s but Wall Street and investors. So while you Apple puppets are loathing over a bigger screen, enjoy. Because you will have to deal with this phone for 23 months before you see something different again!!

        It’s people on 9 to 5 mac who give fanboys its definition. Samsung is rich and a lot more than Apple. Why even mention them, I don’t get it. You all look at Apple with a mentality that the glass is always full, when in reality it’s half empty! Such arrogance, no wonder they call Apple a cult.

      • Michael Superczynski - 10 years ago

        “You all look at Apple with a mentality that the glass is always full, when in reality it’s half empty!”
        Using absolutes like “all” isn’t wise. I see Apple’s glass as half-full and in no way do I think Apple is perfect. They screw things up sometimes but not often. So we don’t “all” think that way.

      • oatmealr101 - 10 years ago

        “Samsung is rich and more than apple” hahaha. Since when was that? I’m pretty sure apple is worth hundreds of billions more than samsung since they actually get money from the devices they sell. The market share and millions of cheap devices that Samsung sells give them almost no profit.

      • routsis77 - 10 years ago

        Whatever rocks your dinghy… enjoy the cult “Zathras”

      • @oatmealr101 Since you really believe Apple has more money than Samsung. Your completely wrong. Since you don’t want to do any homework, I’ve done it for you.

        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_companies_by_revenue

    • flaviosuave - 10 years ago

      I have a hard time thinking what it must feel like to get up in the morning and not be able to think of anything better to do with the precious little time you have on earth than go to a rumors site of a company you don’t even like to bash its product users unprompted. Get therapy, take a walk, and reconsider the life choices that brought you to this moment.

      • routsis77 - 10 years ago

        Good lord, your majesty, your awesome reply squanders me into oblivion because your wording is so amazingly poetic and precise… I feel like nothing, you sitting behind your tiny screen spewing such wisdom should make everyone think twice about living.

        Is this another pathetic way of feeling big online since you’re a nobody in real life? Or did you just get an orgasm from writing that reply… if so, enjoy sicko… no one cares what you think… but it sure feels fun to point out to you just what a little man you are. That will always be fun… :D

      • routsis77 - 10 years ago

        “Oh and one more thing… Suck it” hahahah yeah I won’t be reading your reply cause I couldn’t care less. how sad right? You’ll have your fanboys back you up though I’m sure… cause you wouldn’t last 5 min in real life had we met face to face… looser!

      • Michael Superczynski - 10 years ago

        “e had we met face to face… looser!

        That’s ‘loser’.

      • al0963 - 10 years ago

        Hahahahaha you couldn’t said it better

    • al0963 - 10 years ago

      I do care, the only butt hurt is you, how many millions 4? Thats a lot of people and you are just single soul, sorry bro!!

  10. 89p13 - 10 years ago

    Gee herb02135go – What did Shamesung do in any of their product launches?

    Thought so.

  11. The Tech - 10 years ago

    This is by far the best phone in the market. All of my apple phones have held value and strength through the years. I owned 1 android phone and within 6 months it bricked. It had no self value. Couldn’t sell it. Gazelle offered me 20 bucks while my friends 4s was getting full value price. Now I went to sell my iPhone 5s and they gave me 300 for it. Yet my friends note 2 or 3 brand new they offered 80 bucks for it. Never 1 problem with this OS EVERYOOne that complains that apple doesn’t change the look of the OS hear me out. It works. Look at the keynote of 2007, this man and his company created and patented ideas that would change how everyone made smart phones and os’s. Not a fan boy, just know that a Honda holds more value than a ford when you trade them in. Same goes with something as simple as a phone, IT JUST WORKS and the older I get the easier I want things to work and not freeze up on me.

    • al0963 - 10 years ago

      The Tech! You couldn’t said it better! Someone offer me $450 for my 5s and they have even more value when its unlocked and Jailbroken

      • The Tech - 10 years ago

        exactly!!!! this is what im talking about…we are a culture of whats better and whats not, but you need to create an eco system that gives something back one way or another after you buy something you can later on and trade in.

    • jerryfromcan - 10 years ago

      Good example… Except that Honda resale value is declining and Ford resale values are increasing. Much as their new car sales have changed in the last few years.

      The last Civic redesign for instance is a great example of an entrenched company not going far enough with its cash cow… Blackberry did the same thing.

      No matter who you are, someone is breathing down your neck…

  12. The Tech - 10 years ago

    All Apple does is bash apple in EVERY SINGLE COMMERCIAL AND AD. Thanks for the free publicity #1 and thanks for showing that you are more interested in everything we launch and do than prepping your company to make far better inferior products as opposed to creating a new android plastic phone every 2 weeks. I just created a android based phone it’s revolutuonalry the biggest of all, a frying pan. A motherboard. The android os. The frying pan glass cover. All wrapped in a beautiful non stick cover. Boom! I created an android

    • bloodymerzkizzoid - 10 years ago

      *All Shamesung does

      • The Tech - 10 years ago

        Thank you, I was so upset I messed up the comment lol

  13. DeShun Perry (@DPerry06) - 10 years ago

    With all the preorders on backlog, I hope the cell stores (ATT, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint) will have some in stock…

  14. repentantgamer - 10 years ago

    I don’t get it . . .

    I’ve been using Apple products a while now and I’m glad they work great, but . . . why is everyone cheering sales figures?

    • Michael Superczynski - 10 years ago

      More sales == better.
      If you’re a shareholder, you better believe we are cheering sales figures like this.

      • repentantgamer - 10 years ago

        That’s fine, but some of the people on here seem to just be cheering for Apple as a company. That gets into the creepy territory.

      • Michael Superczynski - 10 years ago

        “That’s fine, but some of the people on here seem to just be cheering for Apple as a company. That gets into the creepy territory.”

        There’s creepy people all over the world. Nothing different here.

    • More Sales = More Money = More Investment in better technology = Better iPhones 6s/7/7s

    • flaviosuave - 10 years ago

      More sales = more profit for those of us who are shareholders.

      More sales = more and quicker adoption of Apple Pay, which will make all of our lives easier as iPhone owners.

      More sales = as someone mentioned below, more money towards R&D, new fabrication processes, increased economies of scale, etc.

      Lots of reasons to be happy things are moving in a particular direction, sales figures being one solid indicator of that.

    • Prasad Velkuri - 10 years ago

      as simple as to support better companies otherwise we will end up with Samesungs.

  15. jerryfromcan - 10 years ago

    I just don’t get how everytime its a record when they are basically sold out in 24 hours for the first month. What are we comparing to? I’d like to see a chart of past announcements…

    • Michael Superczynski - 10 years ago

      Apple has posted sales figures for every release of the iPhone. (And the sales data has been verified by non-Apple entities).
      So, if the current iPhone offering sales exceed the previous record sales, then they can say that it’s the most successful iPhone launch yet.
      That is what is being compared.

      • jerryfromcan - 10 years ago

        As a Marketing guru and statistician, there are many many ways of screwing with this kind of announcement though. The find print is what I would like to see.

        So apple announced 2 million for iphone 5. That record broke previous records by allowing pre-orders from more countries. So much like retail stores are measured by same store sales (compared this year to last year by locations that had been open for more than 1 year) is apple playing stats with us and just opened more countries to pre-orders?

        What is the pre-order data for the US, Canada, Germany, Australia, and whoever else we have data for 3 generations for? Is it double for those countries, or a slight bump of 10% and they opened pre-orders in China for the first time?

        I’m not in any way saying that lots of people didn’t order one… I’d like to have too. I’m just questioning exactly how they came to those numbers like any good investor would. I’m sure they will be super successful (ever since seeing the z10 I’ve said that 4.7″ is THE size).

      • Michael Superczynski - 10 years ago

        Apple doesn’t have to lie or mislead anyone when it comes to iPhone (or any other Apple product for that matter). There’s no conspiracy here to make the public believe sales are anything other than what they are.

      • jerryfromcan - 10 years ago

        Have you read the article on this very site about Apple’s manipulation of the media? I worked for a fortune 100 company in media relations. None of it terribly surprised me.

        I like Apple products too. A lot. But it doesn’t mean I need to drink ALL the Kool-aid, as Helvetica and white and tasty as it may be.

        Here is an interesting line from macrumours about last year “Unlike last year where only the iPhone 5c was available for pre-order, Apple will be offering both the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus for pre-order”

    • routsis77 - 10 years ago

      You are right Jerry and Mike, you’d see it all oh so differently if you’ve been on the inside. I have and I really don’t care about the lies Apple promotes anymore. Honestly my fascination is that there are so many people on their knees to buy Apple products just because they want so desperately to be part of the cult. Hipsters of the worst kind.

      For the ORIGINAL Apple Fanboys and girls, the ONLY enemy they every had nightmares about, fights about, crying sessions about, high pulse about happened to be Windows. The good old era of Mac Vs. Windows… ah how similar the idiots are today.

      Today we have the NEW Hipster Apple Fanboys and fangirls, for them the enemy is Android…

      It’s Mac Vs. PC all over again… we’ll always have this because petty people need to hate and accuse each other of stupid things like this.

      I’m a Mac User, I’ve worked for Apple for 7 years, I’ve had enough… that doesn’t mean I’ve switched to Windows… but I am considering getting a windows machine since Apple crapped all over the Pro Video users. I have an Android phone and an iPhone 5S courtesy from Apple. I have both… guess what… neither is perfect.

      And finally Apple fanatics… in the world of Android phones… it’s not just Samsung… who by the way make more things than you can ever imagine), there is the HTC, SONY… ugh… etc… you get the point…

      The issue most people have with Apple users happens to be the fact that they all share this cult mentality and I don’t blame people for saying that, because even inside Apple, you become part of the cult behaviour… if you have a friend who’s been through management training at Apple… can verify the tricks we used to make people do what we wanted and we did this towards our own people… what do you think we did towards people like you???

      • Michael Superczynski - 10 years ago

        “And finally Apple fanatics… in the world of Android phones… it’s not just Samsung… who by the way make more things than you can ever imagine), there is the HTC, SONY… ugh… etc… you get the point…”
        And every one of those phones is a blatant copy of the iPhone.
        You get the point?

  16. bloodymerzkizzoid - 10 years ago

    The POS shamesung is crying.. hahaha

  17. Laughing_Boy48 - 10 years ago

    Where are all the iHaters, doomsayers and naysayers who crawl out of the woodwork merely to say how Apple is finished as a company since Steve Jobs died. Or how Tim Cook is ruining the company because he’s not Steve Jobs. Or how Apple has completely lost all traces of innovation. Or how Android market share is soon going to put Apple out of business for good. Oh, wait are we really sure Apple has sold that many pre-order iPhones or is it just Apple’s marketing hype machine at full steam. I’m sure all the anti-Apple factions are in a state of total denial that Apple can sell some boring iPhone (supposedly, all flagship Android smartphones are better) to millions of consumers in a 24-hour period. Where’s the chorus of “No one buys iPhones anymore”? Too bad these numbers won’t be enough the shut up the jacktards. Apple can’t sell enough of anything to shut them up.

  18. barrybiddle01 - 10 years ago

    If your still looking to Pre Order the iPhone 6 plus BetaStall.com has few of their Pre Orders Available, Check if you might be lucky.

  19. Scott Lunsford - 10 years ago

    If you own and/or support Android, then why are you posting on a Mac site? Do not pretend to understand what motivates my purchases or that your logic and product are superior. If your priority is to attack and criticize others, then there is something wrong with you!

  20. Taste_of_Apple - 10 years ago

    Big numbers. Apple’s still got it. Can’t wait for iPhone 6.

Author

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.