Apple Sells 1 Million iPhone Units During 3G Launch

Over 1 million Apple iPhone units were sold during its initial launch of the 3G product.

Apple Inc said on Monday it has sold 1 million units of the new iPhone in its initial weekend sending its stock soaring to morethan 2 percent.

The Apple iPhone, originally introduced in late June 2007, sold about 270,000 units in its first two days. Sales had topped 1 million units by early September. The new device sells in 21 countries.

Company executives were pleased with the early results. "IPhone 3G had a stunning opening weekend," Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs said in a statement. "It took 74 days to sell the first 1 million original iPhones, so the new iPhone 3G is clearly off to a great start around the world."

However, iPhone sales pale compared with those of established mobile phone makers, such as Nokia Oy, which sells almost 10 million phones each week, or Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and LG Electronics Inc, which each ship more than 100 million phones a year.

Not only does the iPhone 3G have its popular touch screen, but is also on a faster wireless network and the ability to download third-party applications like games.

The new iPhone sells for about $200 in the U.S., about one-half the price of its predecessor.