9 Million iPhones Sold In 3 Days, Says Apple

Apple has claimed that it has sold over 9 million iPhones over the first weekend since the launch. This is a lot higher than the 5 million units sold by the iPhone 5 during the same period last year and the 4 million for the iPhone 4S a year before that. The Cupertino-based company had launched a comparatively cheaper iPhone 5C along with the flagship iPhone 5S last week. However, it has declined to confirm individual numbers for these two models. Nevertheless, sources have stated that the iPhone 5C has not been well-received, so it is safe to assume that the bulk of this number belongs to the iPhone 5S.

Apple chief executive Tim Cook said,

"The demand for the new iPhones has been incredible, and while we've sold out of our initial supply of iPhone 5s, stores continue to receive new iPhone shipments regularly".

Both the devices run the new iOS7. The iPhone 5S 16 GB is priced at $199 (approx Rs 12,800), while the 32 GB variant costs $299 (approx Rs 19,200). The 64 GB version will set you back by $399 (Rs 25,500). The iPhone 5C, on the other hand is available for $99 (approx Rs 6400) for the 16 GB and $199 (approx Rs 12,800) for the 32 GB. Of course, these prices are for the US market with 2-year contracts, so retail prices will be much higher. The iPhone 5C, which has been touted to be for the mid-range, will therefore end up in the high-end price bracket with a retail price of $549 (approx Rs 36,500) and $649 (approx Rs 43,000), thus shattering the dreams of cheap iPhone aspirants.

The iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C were released in US, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore, and UK, but there is still no official word about India availability. However, insider sources have stated that the launch could happen in the first week of November although it is not clear if the company would bring one or both the models simultaneously. I'll keep you posted as more information becomes available.