NEW YORK » Delivery times have climbed quickly as Apple takes orders for the iPhone 5, suggesting strong demand.

Apple Inc. began taking orders for the phone at 9 p.m. Thursday, promising 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 suggests much stronger demand than Apple expected. Last year, one-week delivery of the iPhone 4S was available into the afternoon of the first order day.

"Clearly, iPhone 5 fever is in full swing," White said.

AT&T and Sprint are still promising delivery by next Friday, while Verizon Wireless is promising delivery on Sept. 26.