The new handset notched up an astonishing five million sales in the opening three days, putting to rest any doubt that Apple might have lost ground to Android competition.

On top of that, Apple also confirmed that more than 100 million iPhones have made the jump to iOS 6 since the new OS was made available last week.

Despite the disaster that was Apple Maps and the best efforts of Samsung and Motorola to derail the momentum of the iPhone 5 launch, it seems Apple has produced another winner.

“Demand for iPhone 5 has been incredible and we are working hard to get an iPhone 5 into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.

“While we have sold out of our initial supply, stores continue to receive iPhone 5 shipments regularly and customers can continue to order online and receive an estimated delivery date. We appreciate everyone’s patience and are working hard to build enough iPhone 5s for everyone.”

While the iPhone 5 is undoubtably a desirable consumer product, a special mention must also go to Apple's impressive speed at getting the device not just into shops, but into so many shops.

The device is currently available in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the UK. It will be available in 22 more countries on September 28 and more than 100 countries by the end of the year.

Do you already own an iPhone 5? What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments box below.