Apple gets record 2 million iPhone 5 orders in 24 hours

NEW YORK (AFP) - Apple said on Monday that it received more than two million orders for its new iPhone 5 in 24 hours, and that many deliveries would be pushed back into October because of strong demand.

"iPhone 5 pre-orders have shattered the previous record held by iPhone 4S and the customer response to iPhone 5 has been phenomenal," said Mr Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice-president of worldwide marketing.

Apple unveiled the new version of its iconic smartphone last Wednesday and opened up pre-orders on Friday.

The first customers in the United States and several other countries are expected to get the device Sept 21, but Apple said some would have to wait.