Apple Sales Deliver — And Break Another Record

Three days since the launch, Apple has broken yet another record with more than 13 million iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus sales in 12 markets.

“Sales for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus have been phenomenal, blowing past any previous first weekend sales results in Apple’s history,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Apple succeeded in breaking the record despite modest improvements in the new models that have features such as pressure-sensitive 3D Touch and “Live Photos,” which are now powered by an improved 12-megapixel iSight camera.

While the new features and record-breaking demand sure have blown away Apple’s loyal customer base, it didn’t quite ring a bell with Apple’s investors.

Post-release, the Cupertino, California-based company’s share value fell by 1.5 percent to $112.97 in morning trading.

Upon release of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus last year, Apple sold over 10 million iPhones — less than its new record, but the numbers didn’t include delayed sales of iPhones in China.

“Topping what the iPhone 6 achieved looks like a tall order, even for Apple, with its history of outdoing itself,” said IDC Analyst John Jackson in an interview with Reuters.

With the release of the new iPhones, the company also launched its own upgrade program that lets users get their hands on a new iPhone every year for a monthly fee starting at $32.

The option to replace an iPhone every year through Apple’s program could further propel demand for the latest iPhone models, BGC Partners Analyst Colin Gillis told Reuters.

For now, if Apple’s history and sales figures were to be considered, it could be said that the company is well on its way to seeing a solid bump in its sales with the release of its new models in 40 other countries on Oct. 9 and in over 130 countries by the end of 2015.

Apple’s success setting a new record also builds upon a lack of demand for other phones in the market. Samsung’s new releases don’t seem to have stirred demand in the market, and the rest of the manufacturers seem to be stuck playing catch-up, Jackson told Reuters.

Results from a survey conducted early this year by Cowen & Company corroborate Jackson. Out of 3,000 surveyed iPhone users, one in six iPhone users were found to be a previous Android user, thereby confirming a continued interest in Apple among users. The report also found that Android switching was highest in China at 30 percent, with Japan at 14 percent, U.K. at 9 percent and U.S. at 8 percent.

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