iPhone 6 passes 4 million pre-orders, delays likely
With 4 million pre-orders and the iPhone 6 shipping to 20 new countries, new buyers could be in for a wait
Huge demand for the iPhone 6 has created a shortage of stock, with waiting times for the new handset being pushed from seven-to-10 days to three-to-four weeks. It seems as though the world can’t get enough of the new handset, with Apple happily announcing that 4m iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus handsets (breakdown not disclosed) had been pre-ordered in the first 24 hours – a new record.
With this huge order, Apple has said that demand for the new phone “exceeds the initial pre-order supply”, meaning that many people won’t be able to get their handset until October, when the supply chain kicks up a gear to fill in the back orders.
“iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are better in every way, and we are thrilled customers love them as much as we do,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Pre-orders for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus set a new record for Apple, and we can’t wait to get our best iPhones yet into the hands of customers starting this Friday.”
With the handset going on sale in the usual territories from this Friday (19th September), and 20 additional countries, including Austria, Denmark, Norway and Spain, it’s fair to say that the iPhone 6 is definitely the company’s biggest-ever launch.
Stock shortages will be annoying for anyone that ordered Phones4U, which has now gone into administration. The company will refund any pre-orders, but customers will need to source a phone from an alternative source.
Currently, the UK Apple Store is showing that the 16GB Silver and Space Grey models are available in seven-to-10 business days; all other models are on a three-to-four weeks delivery. The iPhone 6 Plus is in even shorter supply, with all models of the handset currently showing as three-to-four weeks.
A final opportunity is to head down to an Apple store on Friday, where limited stock will be available on the launch day. With queues already forming at some of the bigger branches, you’re going to have to be quick if you want a handset on the day of release. If you’re more content to wait, you can check out our best iPhone 6 and iPhone 6L deals page to find the best bargains.