With iPhone 6, Apple Breaks Own Record: More Than 10 Million Sold In First Weekend

The numbers are in: Apple has met iPhone 6 expectations and then some, selling more than 10 million phones over the product's opening weekend.

That's a new iPhone record. Last year's previous record, for the iPhone 5S and 5C was 9 million on opening weekend, and that included 10 countries and territories including China. This year the iPhone 6 hasn't been approved yet for sale in China, triggering a robust black market there.

“Sales for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus exceeded our expectations for the launch weekend, and we couldn’t be happier," Apple CEO Tim Cook says. "While our team managed the manufacturing ramp better than ever before, we could have sold many more iPhones with greater supply and we are working hard to fill orders as quickly as possible.”

The phones started selling Friday, beginning at $199 with a two-year wireless service contract.

Apple's share price was stationary after the announcement.

Here's the full press release from Apple:

Sales for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus exceeded our expectations for the launch weekend, and we couldn’t be happier,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We would like to thank all of our customers for making this our best launch ever, shattering all previous sell-through records by a large margin. While our team managed the manufacturing ramp better than ever before, we could have sold many more iPhones with greater supply and we are working hard to fill orders as quickly as possible.

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are the biggest advancements in iPhone history, featuring two new models with stunning 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch Retina HD displays, and packed with innovative technologies in an all-new dramatically thin and seamless design that is still comfortable to hold and easy to use. Both models are better in every way and include: the Apple-designed A8 chip with second generation 64-bit desktop-class architecture for blazing fast performance and power efficiency; advanced iSight and FaceTime HD cameras; ultrafast wireless technologies; and Apple Pay, an easier way to simply and securely make payments with just the touch of a finger.*

The new iPhones include iOS 8, the biggest release since the App Store, featuring a simpler, faster and more intuitive user experience with new Messages and Photos features, predictive typing for Apple’s QuickType keyboard and Family Sharing. iOS 8 also includes the new Health app, giving you a clear overview of your health and fitness data and iCloud Drive, so you can store files and access them from anywhere.

Customers are encouraged to check the Apple Store app or online to receive updates on availability and estimated delivery dates. Every customer who buys an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus at an Apple retail store will be offered free Personal Setup service, helping them customize their iPhone by setting up email, showing them new apps from the App Store and more, so they’ll be up and running with their new iPhone before they leave the store. Customers can also learn more about iOS 8 and their new device through free workshops at all Apple retail stores worldwide. In the US, the new iPhones are also available through AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and additional carriers, and Apple Authorized Resellers including Best Buy, Radio Shack, Target and Walmart.”