Apple polishes forecast after selling 9m new iPhones
Updated: 2013-09-24 10:12
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||
Apple iPhone 5c phones are pictured at the Apple retail store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York Sept 20, 2013. [Photo / Agencies] |
SUPPLY LIMITED
Demand for the iPhone 5S has exceeded initial supply and many online orders are scheduled to be shipped in the coming weeks, Apple said. On Friday, long lines formed outside stores in Tokyo, New York, San Francisco and other cities for the new top-of-the-line 5s and the less-expensive 5c. It was the first time Apple launched two iPhone models simultaneously.
The gold-colored version of the 5S, which also comes in silver and gray, was sold out as of Friday and will now ship only in October, according to Apple's website. As of Monday, the two other colors were also set to be shipped only in October.
"Thanks to all our amazing customers for the fantastic weekend!" said Cook in his second tweet, after he joined Twitter following a visit to Palo Alto Apple store last Friday.
Apple also said gross profit margin would come in near the top of a range of between 36 percent to 37 percent, in line with average forecasts for 36.7 percent. The more optimistic margin forecast should allay investor concerns that, at just $100 less than the 5s, the 5c will draw buyers away from the premium gadget.
Analysts' average revenue forecast for the quarter stands at $36.1 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
Apple, which had grown notorious for providing conservative estimates that it routinely overshot, had resolved to improve its guidance for investors. Analysts have said the change will help rein in some over-the-top financial expectations.
The company said more than 200 million iOS devices are now running iOS 7 mobile software, rolled out just before the iPhone launch.
Apple did not break out separate sales figures for the 5S and 5C. The 5C, which starts at $199 with a contract, offers a touch ID that scans a user's fingerprint to unlock the phone. The 5C starts at $99 and comes in five colors.
"If Apple could ship so well without even having a larger screen iPhone, which we think it could deliver next year, then Apple is getting over a key hump," Shebly Seyrafi, an analyst with FBN Securities, said in a note to clients. "We believe that the immediate availability of the phone in China is also a key driver of the strength."
Earlier reports
Lukewarm Chinese market weigh down Apple-related shares
Apple brand goes stale in China
Apple Inc to sell new iPhones in China
Apple's 'low-end' phone price disappointing
Hands-on: Impressions of iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C
Colorful iPhone, not attractive enough?
- China's growth: Fundamental challenges still remain
- Microsoft revamps Surface to challenge Apple
- Beijing seeks greater cooperation in space
- Panda cubs make debut during National holiday
- VIVA SALSA!
- 'Breaking Bad,' 'Modern Family' crowned at Emmys
- Obama attends Navy Yard shooting memorial
- Typhoon Usagi kills 25 in China
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Old soldiers receive badge of recognition |
The road to life after education |
New energy solutions |
Xinjiang scores on the national stage at last |
Watchdog bites with no favor |
Africa looks to the Orient for lessons |
Today's Top News
Microsoft shifts tablet plans for China
GSK's China sales may be down 30% on scandal
China to help deal with chemical weapons
China, Africa 'share destiny'
Maryland, Xi'an seek new link
Trending news across China
China announces pricing policy for fuel upgrade
China to increase rare earth purchase
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |