Both AT&T and Sprint have revealed that the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 launches provided record-setting sales. Apple’s launch not only set the record for a device family’s sales across all of Sprint’s outlets but did so by 1PM Eastern, with several hours still left to go. No numbers were given, but Product Chief Fared Adib credited it to the carrier being the only one still offering a unlimited data plan for the iPhone.
“The response to this device by current and new customers has surpassed our expectations,” he said.
AT&T Said, “As of 4:30 pm ET today, AT&T had already activated a record number of iPhones on our network – and is on-track to double our previous record for activations on a single day.”
Both AT&T and Sprint did not disclose the number of iPhone 4s sold. Verizon had yet to weigh in with its own performance.
The figures suggest better results than expected. At AT&T, it may reflect the larger existing iPhone user base as well as the faster 3G speeds for data-heavy users.
Sprint’s results, however, may point to a repeat of the conditions at Verizon, where the iPhone 4’s release in February saw it almost immediately eclipse Android and become the most popular platform at the carrier.