CUPERTINO: Apple Inc said it sold more than 10 million iPhones in the first weekend after its new models went on sale on Friday, underscoring strong demand for phones with larger displays.

Chief Executive Tim Cook said the company could have sold even more if supplies had been available.

Analysts had estimated first-weekend sales of up to 10m iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models, based on record first-day pre-orders.

The new phones, which went on sale in 10 countries, drew more than 4m pre-orders on Sept. 12, far surpassing the 2m orders for the iPhone 5 model in the same period two years ago. Apple shares were up 0.8 per cent at $101.84 in early trading on the Nasdaq on Monday.

“While our team managed the manufacturing ramp better than ever before, we could have sold many more iPhones with greater supply and we are working hard to fill orders as quickly as possible,” Cook said in a statement.

Last year, Apple sold 9m iPhone 5S and 5C models in 11 countries, including China, in the first weekend they were available. Sales of the latest models in China, the world’s largest smartphone market, have been delayed by regulatory issues.

Apple sold 5m iPhone 5 handsets, 4m iPhone 4S models and 1.7m iPhone 4 units during the first weekend.

The company said last week that many US customers would have to wait until next month for their new iPhones due to strong demand.

Published in Dawn, September 23rd , 2014