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NEW YORK - Apple sold 1 million iPhones in the first three days its newest model was on the market.
"iPhone 3G had a stunning opening weekend," said Steve Jobs, Apple's chief executive, in a statement.
However, Jobs did not address widespread software problems that plagued the launch.
Over the weekened Apple's servers buckled as buyers tried to activate new iPhones in stores, while owners of older iPhones and the iPod Touch were updating and reactivating their devices.
In stores, employees who couldn't get the new iPhones working sent shoppers home to try again on their own later. At the same time, owners of the older phones were left with unusable units.
Reports of activation snags subsided over the weekend, as Apple's systems apparently recovered, and buyers were able to activate their phones through their home computers. As of Monday, the issues appeared to have been resolved, said analyst Charles Golvin of Forrester Research.
iPhone 3G pricing plans raised the ire of some consumers both the device and Apple's new App Store have enjoyed a successful release worldwide.
The 16GB version of the phone costs $1129 to buy in New Zealand, although can be purchased $199 with a two-year plan that costs $250 per month. There are several options that come with lower monthly prices, but the phone costs more.
Apple did not respond to calls or emails requesting more information about the activation glitches.
Apple had sold about 6 million units of the first-model iPhone since it launched in the US a year ago. The company has set a goal of selling 10 million iPhones by the end of 2008.
The debut of Apple's new App Store coincided with the iPhone 3G launch, offering users 522 applications that can be downloaded directly to the device or via an App Store pane in iTunes.
"The App Store is a grand slam, with a staggering 10 million applications downloaded in just three days," said Jobs.
- AP / NZ HERALD STAFF
