Apple iPhone 5 sold out, sales hit 5 million in 3 days

Apple

(CBS News) Apple announced Monday that over 5 million iPhone 5s have sold over the three days after its launch, selling out and topping its predecessor.

Apple's chief executive officer Tim Cook reported that the iPhone 5 has sold out, but that the company is working hard to meet consumer demands.

"While we have sold out of our initial supply, stores continue to receive iPhone 5 shipments regularly and customers can continue to order online and receive an estimated delivery date. We appreciate everyone's patience and are working hard to build enough iPhone 5s for everyone," Cook said in a press release.

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iPhone 5 goes on sale around the world

Last year, the iPhone 4S sold 4 million over its first weekend. And there are no signs that demand for Apple's smartphone has dwindled. The company reported 2 million pre-orders in the first 24 hours of sale, double the previous record of 1 million held by the iPhone 4S.

Apple unveiled the iPhone 5 on Sept. 12 in San Francisco. The new smartphone features a 4-inch display, 4G LTE, 1080p HD video quality, 720p HD front-facing video, Panoramic photos, a new Lightening connector and EarPods.

[Prof_X]

Asus seems to have no problem with coating their aluminum devices with colors that don't flake off:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.443250715718332.100428.179161458793927&type=1

And 5 million units sold out sounds impressive, until you realize that the Samsung Galaxy S III sold 9 million units IN PRE-ORDER.

[Scimajor]

"Sold out" with 5 million yet apparently industry analysts weren't happy that the phones didn't meet the expectations of 6 million units sold. Hmmm ........... how can you sell 6 million units if after selling 5 million units the phones are apparently "sold out"?

[hypnotoad72]

And somebody cut corners - put one in your pocket with nothing else and it will get badly scratched.

Anodized aluminum is flaking off...

Did management tell workers to order and use lower quality materials, did somebody make an accident or overlooked something, or is all of this deliberate to "cut costs" so some greedy thug could pocket the difference as "profit" and at customer expense?