New York: Delivery times climbed quickly as Apple started taking orders for the iPhone 5 on Friday, suggesting strong demand.

Apple began taking orders for the phone at 12am Pacific time. It initially promised delivery by next Friday, when the new phone also goes on sale in stores.

Four hours later, the expected delivery time had grown to two weeks, according to Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White.

White said the quick rise in the expected delivery time suggested much stronger demand than Apple expected.