More iPhone buyers this year are opting for Apple's latest model, the iPhone 5, than in previous years, suggesting more customers than ever are willing to pay for the best device available.
Greater China has become an increasingly important part of Apple's business, generating about 15 percent of the company's fiscal 2012 sales, and the nation's role is expected to grow even more with a particularly strong debut for the iPhone 5.
Sales of the iPhone 5 topped two million units in its first weekend of availability in China, Apple announced Sunday evening.
As the iPhone 5 went on sale Friday, lines at retail stores were again subdued compared to previous product launches, as Apple's new reservation system prevented excitement from turning into potentially dangerous crowds.
Apple kicked off sales of the massively popular iPhone 5 handset in China and 31 other countries on Friday, fending off supply constraints as the company continues its fastest rollout ever.
A new survey of more than 800 U.S .consumers found that more than half of those planning to buy a smartphone in the next three months say they will buy Apple's new iPhone 5.
When the iPhone 5 launches in China on Friday, Apple will reportedly be including a gratis Lightning to USB adapter as part of the handset's included accessories, a $19 value-added bonus that was formerly restricted to countries in the European Union.
Demand for the iPhone 5 remains strong as supply and yields continue to improve, but total iPad sales for the holiday quarter may prove lower than market watchers expect, as the iPad mini cannibalizes sales of the new fourth-generation iPad.
In its annual list of the best gadgets available, Time has named Apple's new iPhone 5 the top device of 2012, while the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display also made the cut.
Just days before the iPhone 5 is set to go on sale in China, the nation's second largest carrier announced on Monday that preorders for the device have reached over 300,000 units less than a week after initiating reservations.
In time for the lucrative holiday shopping season, a number of international Online Apple Stores, including the U.S. and Canada, are showing immediate availability of the company's newest iPhone 5.
Japan's largest wireless carrier NTT DoCoMo said Thursday that customers are jumping off its network to sign on with rival providers that carry the iPhone, while Samsung's home country of South Korea started sales of the latest iPhone 5.
Whether it's a prototype of a future "iPhone 5S" or an unused iPhone 5 design, a new part claims to show the back panel of an unreleased handset from Apple.
Supply of the iPhone 5 continues to improve as yield rates on the difficult-to-build handset have reportedly grown, reducing costs and boosting profitability for Apple and its suppliers.
Second-largest Chinese wireless carrier China Unicom opened up pre-sale reservations for Apple's iPhone 5 on Monday and saw over 100,000 preorders for the device ahead of its official launch in that country on Dec. 14.
While the iPhone 5 has been the top selling handset at the three largest carriers in the U.S., Apple's legacy iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 handsets have also been strong performers this holiday shopping season.
Apple on Monday announced that the iPhone 5 will debut in more than 50 countries this month, including South Korea on Friday, Dec. 7, with Russia, Brazil and Taiwan to follow a week later.
For the first time since market analysis firm comScore began tracking mobile phone use in the U.S., Apple has taken the second place spot overall, exhibiting positive growth to edge out LG while nipping at the heels of leader Samsung.
Apple will only allow a carrier to offer the iPhone 5 on their LTE network after the company conducts its own tests of the wireless service, one carrier has revealed.
Apple on Friday announced that the Wi-Fi versions of the iPad mini and fourth-generation iPad will launch in China on Dec. 7, while the iPhone 5 will debut a week later, on Dec. 14.
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Neil Hughes
AppleInsider Staff
Sam Oliver
Mikey Campbell
Katie Marsal
Slash Lane
