It's not the most complex of predictions, but Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster believes a slow down in iPhone 4S sales could deliver a record start for its successor later this month.

Munster believes, more so than for any previous iPhone launch, consumers have been holding off buying the existing model knowing a follow up is due any day now.

Million matters

The result, he states, could be week one sales of between 6 and 10 million units.

The prediction was made in a note to investors, with Munster stating the next iPhone – currently dubbed iPhone 5 – could help Apple exceed all expectations for the firm's current quarter.

Indeed, such a number would represent a record for the company.

Apple's iPhone 4S reportedly sold 4 million units during its first three days on sale in 2011. The previous record was held by iPhone 4, which sold 1.7 million units during the same period.

iPhone 5 is expected to be unveiled at a now confirmed Apple event on 12 September.

[source: Apple Insider]