Apple claims it has sold 2 million iPhone 5 smartphones in China its release last Friday, setting an opening weekend sales record for the country.
The announcement was Apple’s first to trumpet sales in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), as well as the first to tout numbers for any individual market other than the US.
"Customer response to iPhone 5 in China has been incredible, setting a new record with the best first weekend sales ever in China," said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a statement.
Not everyone is impressed with the news. IDC analyst Teck Zhung Wong told the IDG News Service: "Why are they saying this now, when they didn’t say this for the iPhone 4S or iPhone 4? Maybe they want to keep the brand alive." Wong added that Apple’s shrinking share of the Chinese smartphone market indicated the announcement was a defensive move.
Since Apple’s 2012 record closing price of $702 on 19 September, the Cupertino, company’s shares have slumped by 27%. As of this morning, Apple shares stood at nearly $518.83, up 1.77% for the day.
Greater China generated $23.8 billion, or 17% of all Apple sales for the company’s 2012 fiscal year, which ended 29 September 2012.
IDG News Service
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