How could Apple have 4 million iPhone 6+ for preorder but only 5000 for retail?

[MultiMediaWill]

If rumor stands true and only 5000 iphone 6 plus's get into Apple stores on 09/19, how did Apple have so many for preorder but so little for retail launch?

 

[saving107]

What rumor is this?

 

[TJ82]

They've taken a total of 4mil pre-orders for both 6 and 6+ together.

Doesn't mean they have the stock to fulfill them on launch day.

 

[accountforit]

If rumor stands true and only 5000 iphone 6 plus's get into Apple stores on 09/19, how did Apple have so many for preorder but so little for retail launch?

Shouldn't the people who stay up until 3:00am + to be the first to order, knowing they still may not get a phone on the 19th, get first priority?

 

[TheBama]

Rumors aside...

more pre-orders than expected = fewer phones available

 

[mikethebigo]

OP is assuming 20 phones per store and about 250 stores in the USA. Yes, when said this way, it is obvious that the Apple Stores will get much more supply than that. Most phones will probably arrive Thursday afternoon.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Here we go with the conspirisy theories.

I am betting is is as simple as "we did not make enough".

 

[Sheza]

Several reasons...

1. The 4 million number is not the number of Day One iPhone deliveries. It is just the number of iPhones pre-ordered in the first 24 hours, therefore it includes iPhones that are still on the production line in China with delivery dates a month away.

2. Queuing up at an Apple store on launch day is a nightmare for all involved. Being 2014, it is common knowledge that pre-ordering at the earliest opportunity is the best way to get any product in time for launch.

 

[Steve686]

Rumors aside...

more pre-orders than expected = fewer phones available

Also, less phones made than Apple projected due to bad yields with displays = fewer phones available.