Say what you will about Apple, but it sure knows how to sell phones. The first weekend for sales of its new iPhones—the 6 and the 6 Plus—moved some 10 million of the larger-screened devices, which did not come close to keeping up with demand.
Shortages were rampant and although the units were offered globally—sales began in the U.S., Japan, Germany, and Hong Kong—many prime Apple-desiring countries had yet to offer the device, most notably China. Apple did not say when it would start China sales, but did say that it planned to expand to 20 more countries as of Friday (Sept. 26), the Wall Street Journal reported.
“Chinese state media attributes the delay to regulatory issues,” the Journal said. “China’s official Xinhua News Agency said last week that the new iPhones cleared two major regulatory hurdles but still needed a network-access license. Hong Kong authorities said Sunday that they foiled an apparent attempt to smuggle HK$3 million ($387,000) worth of high-end electronics—including at least 138 new iPhones—that were being loaded onto a speedboat in a rural coastal area opposite the Chinese shore. Customs officials said several men fled on the boat when approached by law-enforcement officers, leaving behind 15 boxes that also included 1,890 hard drives and 16,235 computer-memory chips.”
How much are the new phones selling for on the grey market? The Journal said that the 128-GByte version of the iPhone 6 Plus—which has an official pricetag of $949, assuming no telco contract—selling for more than $2,000 in Hong Kong.
We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with innovators and disruptors.
Learn More