Apple may have taken a lot of heat recently for "flaws" and glitches such as its Maps app and a Wi-Fi bug in its latest iPhone 5, but that apparently hasn't stopped the phone from selling more than $5 million units.
Those numbers could rise to a staggering 50 million over the December quarter, according to CNET. That projection, made by J.P Morgan analyst Katy Huberty, says that forecast is a bit higher than the previous estimate and is based on heavy iPhone 5 demand anticipated by both suppliers and carriers. Last week's preorders for the new iPhone also were greater than expected, rising 100 percent from 2011's numbers for the iPhone 4s.
Huberty said the actual numbers for both the third and fourth quarters could be higher if component supplies improve, and the smartphone could sell upwards of 200 million in 2013.
The article also attributes China as being a "major contributor" to sales when the country gets the iPhone 5 at the end of this year.
Apple CEO Tim Cook recently said the demand for the device has been "incredible" and the company is working to get the phone into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible.
"While we have sold out of our initial supply, stores continue to receive iPhone 5 shipments regularly and customers can continue to order online and receive an estimated delivery date," he said. "We appreciate everyone's patience and are working hard to build enough iPhone 5s for everyone."
At the time of launch, Apple announced 9 countries would have access to the device. Over the past week, an additional 22 countries were recently added to that list, and it is expected that 100 countries will have the iPhone 5 available for retail purchase, according to Black Friday Magazine.