Three signs the iPhone 7 will be a huge hit for Apple
The iPhone 7 received a cautiously optimistic welcome when it was unveiled a week ago.
While new features such as being waterproof and a shiny new jet black colour were largely surface changes rather than a revolutionary new direction for the brand, they were certainly likely to dazzle potential buyers, analysts thought.
Apple has quite a bit riding on the iPhone 7 after a tough year for the tech titan in which it experienced its first ever decline in sales of the iconic device.
Read more: The seven crucial things you need to know about Apple and the iPhone 7
So could it live up to expectations? There are three early signs that it's likely to be a huge hit for Apple ahead of tomorrow, when it goes on sale.
1. iPhone 7 pre-orders have sold out
It's rumoured that the initial weekend sales update Apple normally gives after the first weekend of sales has been ditched, but that hasn't stopped it from giving out a pre-order update, and a very positive one at that.
The larger iPhone 7, which has a new dual camera, has sold out completely worldwide, the company has revealed. The smaller iPhone 7 has also been snapped up entirely in the new jet black colour, and neither will be available in stores to purchase on Friday.
"We sincerely appreciate our customers' patience as we work hard to get the new iPhone into the hands of everyone who wants one as quickly as possible," said Apple in a statement to Reuters.
2. Traffic to Apple's website went nuts
More people headed straight to the Apple website to check out the new devices than ever before in the UK.
Web traffic to apple.com experienced a one day surge of 235 per cent on the day it was unveiled, according to analysis by similarweb. That beats the iPhone SE (up 75 per cent), the iPhone 6S and the (up 69 per cent) and even the iPhone 6 (up 172 per cent).
Read more: Will the iPhone 7 be a hit for Apple or not?
Globally, it doesn't quite hit the highs of the hugely popular iPhone 6, but its close. Traffic increased 152 per cent for the iPhone 7 compared to 195 per cent for the 6 around the world.
Of course, that doesn't show purchases, but does indicate interest and potential intention to buy.
3. Mobile networks have seen more interest for the iPhone 7 than previous models
US mobile network T-Mobile said the iPhone 7 has been the biggest pre-order in its entire history. The number of pre-orders over the weekend were nearly four times that of the next most popular iPhone, the brand said. Even pre-registering for the pre-order smashed records for the iPhone 6 and 6s.
Rival US carrier Sprint also echoed those record-breaking figures, giving Apple something to sigh in relief about.
It's no wonder then, that Apple's share price has surged to highs not seen in around nine months. It looks like Apple has a much needed hit on its hands.