All across the UK and Scotland, pockets of crowds waited in queues outside Apple stores, O2 and Carphone Warehouse shops. While the volumes of buyers were considerably less than their American counterparts, it was still a good day for Apple.

Although actual UK sales figures have not been disclosed, The Sun and the Daily Mirror have reported that between 70,000 – 100,000 iPhones were sold during the weekend. A far cry from the 200,000 first day sales figure in the United States, but Apple isn’t complaining. Based on the prevailing picture, strong sales demands can be expected this Christmas. The only question which remains is, will the availability of iPhone devices be able to meet the upcoming holiday demands?

O2 has confirmed record breaking 8,000 iPhone activations on launch day, which was unexpectedly more than double than the initial estimate of 3,000 activations. With the actual iPhone sales pegged to be significantly higher than the 8,000 activations, two thirds of which are new customers, O2 has revealed it has recently signed an exclusive 5 year contract with Apple. A bold move in light of the potential influx of new subscriber base which the iPhone sales is driving.

The seemingly lackluster ovation may be rooted in

the iPhone’s lack of 3G technology, which Apple has announced it will tackle no earlier than late 2008. The cost of the iPhone, coupled with the late technology has put off the European market, long used to the free handsets and cutting edge WiFi mobile technology.

Unlike other high end mobile phones currently in the European market, the iPhone relies on the significantly slower EDGE connectivity. To make matters worse, UK’s O2 EDGE coverage is at a measly 30%, although the company reports on planning expansive tower upgrades to increase current coverage. This, despite the view from most European mobile users that iPhone technology seems to be a step down from what they currently enjoy in the mobile market today.

Even during the launch, iPhone has announced it plans on numerous upgrades to the ubiquitous iPhone, which leaves most potential buyers confused over the hype, and cool over the iPhone’s first day launch. Although this will come as a welcome move by some disappointed iPhone owners, the iPhone limitations may have put off once eager fans. The European iPhone sales may never quite match the stateside’s sales, but it is believed to be significant enough to help meet Apple’s goal of 10 million iPhones sold by 2008.

Related Posts

Apple Europe Promises More iPhone Sales

Apple Agrees To iPhone Deals With 3 European Telecoms

iPhone 3G Launch Date Confirmed

Smartphone sales grow thanks to the iPhone

Apple Faces Challenges in the iPhone’s Global Rollout