As pointed out above in their SEC filing, Apple counts anything already delivered or shipped, as "sold".
Yep.
Probably in China warehouses, since that's where Apple usually ships stock from.
That seems ridiculous.
(If that's true, channel inventory isn't even counted in the "sold" numbers that Apple reports.)
As Apple says, they like to keep 4-6 weeks' worth of channel inventory available in case of factory problems or anticipated demand such as with Christmas coming up.
You seem to be thinking about retail store inventory, instead.
Even then, having something in stock doesn't automatically mean it has also been sold to an end user. For example, ATT might buy up millions in anticipation of a sale that hasn't taken place yet.
Actual sales numbers are hard to get and often rely on exit polls and store manager interviews.
PS. The only time that the "end customer" is not a dealer or store, is when Apple itself is the direct seller, as when you buy an iPad from their online store and the item is shipped directly to you from their channel inventory, with no middle dealers involved.
Again, where are you getting your definition?
End Customer
http://www.google.com/search?client..._gc.r_pw.&fp=3aa46e01b7a3bff&biw=1250&bih=882