Apple logs a record number of pre-orders for its new iPhones

By David Nield September 13, 2014

apple logs record number preorders new iphones — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The new iPhones don’t come cheap, and Apple’s website servers regularly buckled under the demand, but the company has still taken a record number of pre-orders for the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus. “Response to iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus has been incredible, with a record number of pre-orders overnight,” Apple announced in a statement. The exact numbers of units sold haven’t yet been disclosed.

The new handsets are already in short supply. The shipping time for the smaller model is now set at 7-10 business days; for the larger device you’re looking at 3-4 weeks before it will arrive at your doorstep. Last year the pre-order times for the 5C and the 5S were staggered, which may have helped spread the load.

Related: Do you want the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus? Here’s how to pre-order one at any retailer

Apple has not made any comment on the online loading problems that users experienced for hours after the pre-order period started (midnight PT on Friday). Even distinguished blogger and Apple fan John Gruber was pushed to describe it as “embarrassing” on his Daring Fireball blog. Some carrier sites also experienced issues.

AT&T had a record-breaking few hours as well. “This is our biggest phone pre-order launch day ever,” said Glenn Lurie, CEO of AT&T Mobility. AT&T was the first exclusive carrier of the original iPhone when it appeared in 2007, and still has a strong base of iPhone users ready to upgrade every couple of years.

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus go on sale in stores on September 19 and we should be seeing the first official reviews of the devices in the near future. In the meantime, check out our hands-on look at Apple’s new phones.

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Dave is a freelance journalist from Manchester in the north-west of England. He's been writing about technology since the…

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