Dive Brief:
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Pre-orders of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus hit more than four million in the first 24 hours, Apple said Monday. That exceeds inventory, so while many will get their new iPhones starting this week, many others must be patient until October.
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That’s a record: Apple saw more than 2 million pre-orders for the iPhone 5 in 24 hours.
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Meanwhile, the new iPhones will not be immediately available in China and the three major mobile carriers there are not offering the iPhone yet. Speculation is that the phone has not garnered regulatory approval for some reason.
Dive Insight:
This initial showing by the iPhones 6, especially at a time when smartphone demand has softened, bodes well for Apple. But it is no guarantee. Early orders come from Apple’s most ardent fans; much will depend on how the phones fare once they’re out in the world, and whether Apple can meet its stated goals in China.