Carriers report record sales for iPhone 4S

Despite a lukewarm reception from industry analysts, Apple's iPhone 4S handset has logged record pre-order numbers.

US carrier AT&T said it had received some 200,000 pre-orders for the Apple smartphone in its first day of availability.

"AT&T has seen extraordinary demand for thw iPhone 4S, with more than 200,000 preorders in the first 12 hours alone, the most successful iPhone launch we've ever had," the company said in a statement.

"It is obvious customers like AT&T's 4G network, which is the only one that lets their iPhone download twice as fast and talk and surf simultaneously."

Set to launch on 14 October, the Apple handset was unveiled earlier this week. The 4S will boast a faster processor and upgraded camera along with the Siri voice control system.

The strong pre-orders stand in contrast to what has been a less than enthusiastic reception since the iPhone 4S was unveiled. Analysts noted that the lack of external casing updates had come as something of a let-down.

The pre-orders kick off as Apple and its user community continue to mourn the loss of co-founder and former chief executive Steve Jobs. The Apple founder passed away earlier this week, shaking the entire IT industry and causing competitors to delay their own product unveilings out of respect.