Apple expected to confirm iPhone sales of 5 million

Since its eagerly anticipated launch on June 29 of this year, the diminutive iPhone handset has caused quite a stir across North America, and has emerged as possibly the year’s most notable hardware launch in the consumer electronics field. Apple expected to announce 5 million iPhone sales at Macworld Expo. Credit: Apple.

Apple expected to announce 5 million iPhone sales at Macworld Expo. Credit: Apple.Adding the touch-screen iPhone to its trendy portfolio of desirable products (which includes the all-conquering iPod music and media player) California-based Apple Inc. could be well on its way to reaching the initial sales goal outlined by CEO Steve Jobs prior to the iPhone’s summer unveiling.According to a report published by tech-watchers at 9to5Mac, Apple could well use the upcoming Macworld Expo in San Francisco to announce that it has already sold some 5 million units of the iPhone – which would put it exactly halfway to hitting the target of 10 million by the close of 2008.If that announcement does indeed come to pass, then it will give Apple a further 11 months to achieve its target of 10 million, bolstered by the fact that the first 5 million was amassed in a mere 7 months, reports Wired News. The Macworld Expo will take place between January 14 – 18, 2008.The opening iPhone launch built impressive sales in the United States, with Apple revealing it had surpassed the first million marker in a mere 74 days. The iconic smartphone then shifted over to the UK, Germany, and France in the final quarter of 2007, which, while not as immediately receptive as the US, have contributed solidly to continuing iPhone performance with around 1 million in total sales. Other regions likely to increase global sales during 2008 include the likes of China, Japan, and Spain.