Smaller crowds at Apple's China stores for start of iPhone 6 sales

Apple’s new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus went on sale today in China, almost a month after they were available in the U.S. and many other countries.

But according to several reports, the number of people outside Beijing Apple stores were not nearly as large as they were for past launches.

The Wall Street Journal reported, “About 100 customers waited in line Friday morning outside Apple’s store.” According to Bloomberg, “About 150 people lined up at Apple’s store in China Central Place in eastern Beijing today to pick up devices they pre-ordered.”

The larger screen sizes are expected to be popular with Asian consumers. And, indeed, one report indicated that 20 million Chinese consumers had pre-registered online to buy the new iPhones. However, the report also said, typically only 10% to 15% of those users follow through on orders, which would imply initial sales of 2 million to 3 million iPhones in China.

When the iPhone 5 made its China debut in December 2012, it sold 2 million units on the first weekend.