Apple Inc said it sold a total of three million iPads in the three days since Friday, when it launched the new iPad mini and fourth-generation iPad. This was double the first weekend sales of 1.5 million for Wi-Fi only models for the third generation iPad sold in March, Apple said on Monday.

"Demand for iPad mini exceeded the initial supply and while many of the pre-orders have been shipped to customers, some are scheduled to be shipped later this month," Apple said.

"We're working hard to build more quickly to meet the incredible demand," CEO Tim Cook said in a statement.

The 7.9-inch iPad mini marks Apple's first foray into the smaller-tablet segment, and is the company's first major new device since the death of co-founder Steve Jobs last year.

Apple shares were up nearly 1 percent at $582.27 in trading before the bell.