Apple has sold more than 2 million of its new iPhone 5 in China during its first three days on sale, marking the country's best-selling iPhone rollout ever.
But the highly anticipated release in China, Apple's second-biggest market, has not eased worries about stiffer competition in the smartphone market, which is driving a slide in the share price of the world's most valuable technology company.
Customer response to iPhone 5 in China has been incredible.
Apple shares fell 3.8 per cent on Friday to $509.79 after the iPhone 5's China debut, while Citi Research downgraded Apple's stock late on Sunday to "neutral" from "buy" and lowered Apple's price target to $575 from $675, citing diminishing hype around the iPhone 5 and improving competition in smartphones.
Apple's latest iPhone made its global debut with a launch in the United States and 30 other countries in September, selling more than 5 million in its first three days on the market.
"Customer response to iPhone 5 in China has been incredible, setting a new record with the best first weekend sales ever in China," Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook said in a statement.
This is the first time Apple has announced China sales numbers for the iPhone.
Analysts say Apple's longer-term outlook in the China market, however, may hinge on expanding its partners in that country to include China Mobile Ltd, the country's top telecoms carrier.
Everything you need to know about Google and Apple’s emergency zero-day patches
Ronald Richardson to lead Leaseweb’s global commercial strategy
