The Associated Press reports that iPhone 5 registered the first pre-order record after 2 million devices were sold in the first 24 hours since the launching event on September 12. These figures pleased Apple executives because this year’s pre-orders were twice as big as the ones registered after the iPhone 4S release.

iPhone 5 has been well received by the American consumers despite harsh voices saying that the device is not very different than its predecessors. As soon as the launching event was over, customers hurried to pre-order the new product setting a new record for the iPad maker. The company registered requests for 2 million devices in the first 24 hours after iPhone 5 was presented.

The offers given by Apple to its faithful customers have determined buyers to order the device. AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Wireless have given their customers with a 2-year-old service agreement the possibility to order the 16 gigabyte model for $199, whereas the ones with 32 GB and 64 GB cost $299 and $399, respectively.

Most phones will be delivered to customers by Friday, but Apple was forced to prolong the delivery period given the large volume of smartphones requested. Analysts estimated that buyers will receive all their products by the end of October.

The pre-order record set by Apple last Wednesday was benefic for the company’s stocks, as well. The Cupertino, California company added $7 to its $698.28 stock price registered this morning. The record, however, was set at the beginning of the session when the stock price rose to $699.54.

Janney Capital Markets analyst Bill Choi stated on Monday that the announcement released by Apple on Monday reinforces the belief that iPhone 5 is better than iPhone 4S. He further added that Apple will sell between 7 million and 10 million iPhone 5 units by the end of September.