'525,000 iPhones sold in first weekend'
The iPhone is priced at between $499 (£257) and $599 (£309)
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Monday, 02, Jul 2007 04:02
More than half a million of Apple's iPhone were sold during its launch weekend, stateside media outlets have claimed.
According to the Los Angeles Times shoppers bought 525,000 of the devices in the consumer electronic giant's own stores.
Telecoms firm AT&T, which provides wireless internet services for the iPhone, also reported its stores were sold out on America's west coast.
Apple, which manufacturers the iPod, launched the iPhone in the US on a first-come, first-serve basis on Friday, with consumers able to buy a maximum of two devices.
Unveiled earlier this year, the iPhone combines the traditional functions of a mobile phone with a 3.5in widescreen iPod, a Wi-Fi internet hub and a two megapixel camera.
As with Apple's market-leading MP3 player, the device employs touchscreen technology, but also includes motion sensitive capabilities.
Apple chief executive Steve Jobs claims that the iPhone is "literally five years ahead of any mobile phone" due to its unique user interface.
"We are all born with the ultimate pointing device - our fingers – and iPhone uses them to create the most revolutionary user interface since the mouse," he said.
Commenting on Friday's product launch, Apple's senior vice president of retail Ron Johnson said: "Apple retail stores were created for this moment – to let customers touch and experience a revolutionary new product.
"With our legendary genius bar support, free workshops and our one-to-one personal training, we're here to help customers get the most from their new iPhone."
The iPhone is initially available in 4GB and 8GB models priced at $499 (£257) and $599 (£309) respectively.
Apple expects to launch the phone in Europe at the end of 2007, but has as yet given no indication on price.