It’ s pretty much the same old story, only more of it. Every smartphone store I passed by this weekend, lines were out the door. I’m just glad they had a kiosk so I could run in and pay my bill without the madness. And according to numbers, this weekend’s madness tops all others.
Numbers just released by Apple say the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus sold over ten million combined units in a 72 hour period. This sets a new record. And the US isn’t the only nation to thank, or blame, depending on the way you look at it. Australia, Canada, Japan, France and other nations took part as well. And this is probably just the beginning for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus domination. On September 26, these phones will be released in 20 more nations and in 115 nations by December 31, 2014. I will give Apple credit; this phone has it all. It’s got HD cameras, lightning speed wireless technology, fingerprint ID technology to protect from hackers, and you can even use it as a credit card thanks to Apple Pay. I will admit the prices aren’t bad either. One can get an iPhone 6 and 6 Plus for as little as $200-$300.
Now it’s easy for some to say the US, Canada and the first wave of nations are smartphone obsessed and consumer obsessed. But wait until China, India and BRIC nations’ turn for the iPhone 6. I wouldn’t be surprised to see to see fights break out over this. It’s happened before. But my question is why would anybody risk long lines and potential tempers just for this smartphone? It isn’t just the cool features. Something deeper is going on. Maybe you got to be the first one on your block to get it. Maybe it’s for bragging rights among family, friends and colleagues. I’m sorry, but I don’t have that urge. I’ll just wait a week or two or three and wait for the lines to get low. So if you’re one of those who just have to have the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus on the first day or weekend, why?