Only one month after its debut, the iPhone 3G continues to sell sell in record numbers.
Analyst, Michael Cote, of the Cote Collaborative and former T-Mobile executive, has reported that the iPhone 3G has hit the 3 million sold mark. If this estimate is accurate, Apple may be in for sales far greater than the three to four million predicted for the current quarter. Cote has been known to be be fairly accurate with past wireless predictions, so this should bode well for the Cupertino-based company.
“They are seeing unprecedented demand,” says Cote, noting that there does not appear to be any sign of slowing down. The pace at which the iPhone 3g is currently selling, seems to defy the trends in current consumer spending, employment levels and overall economic health.
Only three days after the device’s debut, Apple had officially announced that over one million had sold, a feat that took the first generation iPhone 74 days to accomplish. Additionally, the 3G has now sold nearly half of the total amount of original iPhones.
Three main factors have contributed greatly to the overall success of the iPhone 3G’s sales.
First and foremost is the price. At $199, excluding the service contract, the iPhone has now been made available to consumers who may of otherwise not been able to afford it.
Second, is the ability of the iPhone 3G to piggy-back off of the enthusiasm of the first generation iPhone. In addition to practicality, smartphones have often been seen as fashion statements.
And finally, the international roll-out has been a major factor in the success of the device. The iPhone 3G is currently selling in 22 countries, with another 50 slated for sales within the end of this year, opposed to the 4 countries that the original iPhone was sold in. See our iPhone carrier world map for more information.
“But analyst Cote predicts that Apple will find it challenging to keep current outlets supplied while attempting to take on even more. “The demand is so strong it may impact or delay the new countries coming on,” Cote says.” This may not be the worst problem for Apple to face.
[via Fortune]
