Preorders for Apple’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus Hit Record High

Apple announced today that first-day preorders hit a record high as the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus reached over 4 million. With more orders streaming in, the first-weekend sales will likely surpass those of last year’s iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, which totaled over 9 million according to Apple. In fact, analysts say that the first-day preorder sales point to weekend sales of 10 million. Wells Fargo Securities analysts wrote, “Assuming preorders are similar to the 40 percent of first weekend sales for the iPhone 5, this would imply iPhone 6/6Plus first weekend sales could be around 10 million.”

Unfortunately, 4 million iPhone 6 and 6 Plus preorders was more than Apple anticipated. Demand far exceeds the supply of iPhones available for preorder, so while “a significant amount” of customers will receive their phones on Friday and throughout the rest of September, some may not receive their phones until October. It seems iPhone 6 Plus models are in higher demand. Last week, Apple’s website showed a wait time of up to a month for the 5.5-inch model. According to Janney Capital Markets analysts, the unprecedented amount of pre-orders “was due to ‘pent-up demand’ for bigger iPhone screens.” But while the iPhone 6 Plus will suffer delays, the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will be more readily available in the coming weeks.

On September 19 at 8:00 AM, the new iPhones will be available for purchase at Apple retail stores and “Apple Authorized Resellers.” Apple’s press recommended that customers “arrive early or order online from the Apple Online Store to pickup in-store or receive an estimated delivery date.” Both iPhones will also be available on Friday from selected carriers.