Apple's iPhone 6 & 6 Plus Pre-Orders Shatter Records, Igniting Unprecedented Demand and Weeks-Long Shipping Delays

Apple has once again demonstrated its unparalleled ability to captivate the global market, with pre-orders for its latest flagship devices, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, absolutely exploding past all previous records. Unveiled to a fervent audience, these new iPhones, boasting larger screens and a sleek new design, have generated a buying frenzy that has left even Apple itself scrambling to keep up.

Within a mere 24 hours of pre-orders opening on September 12, 2014, Apple announced that it had received an astonishing four million orders.

This monumental figure isn't just a new record for the company; it's double the previous first-day record set by the iPhone 5 in 2012, which saw two million units sold. The sheer scale of this demand is a testament to the pent-up anticipation for larger-screen iPhones and Apple's enduring allure.

However, this phenomenal success has come with a predictable, yet significant, side effect: widespread shipping delays.

While initial estimates for some models suggested a modest 7-10 day wait, the overwhelming demand quickly pushed delivery times for many configurations, particularly the highly coveted iPhone 6 Plus, out by three to four weeks. Customers eager to get their hands on the latest tech are now facing extended waits, a clear indicator of just how much these devices are desired.

Apple, through a statement, acknowledged the situation, expressing gratitude for the "incredible demand" and stating, "Customers will receive their new iPhones beginning Friday, September 19, but many online pre-orders are scheduled to be delivered in October due to the high demand." This transparent admission underscores the challenge of meeting such a colossal influx of orders.

The iPhone 6, with its 4.7-inch display, and the iPhone 6 Plus, featuring a expansive 5.5-inch screen, directly address a long-standing request from consumers for larger smartphone real estate.

This strategic move, combined with enhanced performance, a refined camera, and the new Apple Pay system, has clearly resonated deeply with both loyal Apple enthusiasts and new converts alike. Analysts are now predicting an opening weekend sales figure that could soar between seven and ten million units, signaling a monumental quarter for the Cupertino giant.

As the world watches Apple's latest triumph unfold, it's clear that the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are not just new smartphones; they are a powerful statement about Apple's innovation, market influence, and its uncanny ability to drive global consumer trends.

The record-breaking pre-orders and subsequent delays paint a vivid picture of a product launch that has truly captured the imagination, reinforcing Apple's position at the pinnacle of the tech world.