Apple has announced that launch weekend sales of iPhone 5 hit a nice round 5 million, beating the 4 million the handset's predecessor amassed during its first three days on sale.

The company said consumer demand for the device had predictably "exceeded the initial supply", with many pre-orders now not likely to ship until October.

Dealing with demand

"Demand for iPhone 5 has been incredible and we are working hard to get an iPhone 5 into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible," said CEO Tim Cook.

"While we have sold out of our initial supply, stores continue to receive iPhone 5 shipments regularly and customers can continue to order online and receive an estimated delivery date.

"We appreciate everyone's patience and are working hard to build enough iPhone 5s for everyone."

Undoubtedly a strong start, the 5 million figure – amassed in three days – means Apple will need momentum to hold if the device is to hit the 10 million week one sales projection high given by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster earlier in September.

Munster claimed pent up demand for iPhone 5 – consumers holding off buying earlier models in the run up to its big reveal – would lead to the device selling somewhere between 6-10 million units during its first seven days.

Apple has also announced that a total of 100 million devices have now been updated to iOS 6, following Chartboost's claim that 15 percent of users had updated within 24 hours.

[source: BusinessWire]