Sales of new iPhones set to top last year’s model
Hundreds of people queued up at Apple stores in cities including Sydney, Tokyo, and New York as Apple launched two iPhone models simultaneously for the first time.
There was a particular clamour for the gold-coloured version
Analysts have questioned whether the technology of the new top-end 5S is dramatic enough to persuade people to trade up. Many have questioned whether Apple has priced its new plastic-backed 5C too high to combat cheaper smartphones that use Google’s Android operating system.
But that did not put off Jimmy Gunawan, the first in line outside an Apple store in Sydney. “It’s been one year since iPhone 5. It’s about time to upgrade, I guess,” he said.
Apple shares rose as much as 1.3% as the phones went on sale in 11 markets.
Apple could sell up to 6.5m iPhones over the weekend, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Brian White said.
Apple sold over 5m iPhone 5 units during its opening weekend last year.
Tech analysts this week praised the fingerprint scanner in the 5S model, which lets users unlock their devices or make purchases by simply pressing their finger.
The sensor technology that powers the scanner was developed by AuthenTec, which was bought by Apple a year ago.
Hundreds of people streamed through the doors of Apple’s flagship Regent St store in London to get their hands on the device.
Noah Green, 17, was the first in the queue, having only left his vigil to shower at a nearby gym since setting up camp outside the shop at 4pm on Monday.
Emerging from the store 20 minutes after the doors opened to rapturous applause, Noah, clutching a limited edition gold device, said: “It’s the best feeling in the world.”
The teenager said he turned down offers of up to £5,000 (€5,920) for his prime spot in the queue, saying he would only consider giving up his place for £10,000.
