If iPhone sales were fueled primarily by hype, that hype went a long way. Even though a huge chunk of sales were seen during the weekend of its release, at the end of June, sales carried strong into July. So well, in fact, that in July the iPhone outsold all other smartphones.
As a mobile, the unit accounted for a mere 1.8% of mobile sales for july - however, smartphones are still a minor part of sales compared to more traditional cells. The research firm who conjured this data is giving high hopes to Apple, moreso than even Apple themselves believe. They think the company is on track to sell 4.5 million units before the end of the year, which is more than double what Apple was hoping for:
The iPhone's true appeal to the general public will be reflected if Apple is able to maintain strong sales in the coming months and years, which iSuppli believes will happen. The company predicts that Apple will sell a lofty 4.5 million units in 2007 and up to 30 million by 2011.
As the article brings out, that does seem very unlikely. Even with a sales pickup towards the end of the year, I doubt they will see that much. Regardless, the iPhone is still doing very well. Perhaps Apple's goal of 10 million by the end of next year isn't unrealistic at all.