Apple sells record 13m iPhones in opening weekend

Sales of Apple's new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus totalled over 13 million in the company's opening weekend, in line with analysts’ expectations.

The technology giant made the announcement on Monday, three days after the new devices hit the shelves.

The previous record was set in 2014, when sales of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus hit 10m in their first weekend.

When the phones were first unveiled early in September, Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster said he expected opening weekend sales to be around the 12 to 13m mark.

Apple chief executive Tim Cook was delighted with the news.

“Sales for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus have been phenomenal, blowing past any previous first weekend sales results in Apple’s history.

“Customers’ feedback is incredible and they are loving 3D Touch and Live Photos, and we can’t wait to bring iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus to customers in even more countries.”

The new phones will roll out in 40 new countries on 9 October including Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Taiwan, with the devices being available in over 130 countries by the end of the year.