Apple spreads the word that pre-order sales of its new iPhone 5 smartphone have topped the two million mark in just 24 hours. The company points out the figure represents more than double the previous record of one million held by the iPhone 4S. Analysts believe iPhone 5 sales in September may add up to well over 10 million units. The first pre-orders will start shipping on September 21st, but Apple says many customers won't receive their phone until October because they're unable to keep up with demand.

Apple® today announced pre-orders of its iPhone® 5 topped two million in just 24 hours, more than double the previous record of one million held by iPhone 4S. Demand for iPhone 5 exceeds the initial supply and while the majority of pre-orders will be delivered to customers on September 21, many are scheduled to be delivered in October.

iPhone 5 is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, completely redesigned to feature a stunning new 4-inch Retina™ display; an Apple-designed A6 chip for blazing fast performance; and ultrafast wireless technology*—all while delivering even better battery life.**“iPhone 5 pre-orders have shattered the previous record held by iPhone 4S and the customer response to iPhone 5 has been phenomenal,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “iPhone 5 is the best iPhone yet, the most beautiful product we’ve ever made, and we hope customers love it as much as we do.”