According to this San Francisco Gate Article, many Apple stores and AT&T retail outlets are still having problems keeping the 3G iPhone in stock, more than a month after the initial launch of the device. High demand, availability in 22 countries, as well as the fact that the 3G iPhone can’t be purchased online were factors leading to the shortage of units. It has been estimated that over 2.5 million 3 G iPhones will be sold by year’s end. The shortage may finally ease once the iPhone 3G devices begin selling in Best Buy stores in September.

According to an this article from AP News on Yahoo Best Buy will begin selling iPhones on September 7.  This makes them the first independent retailer to sell Apple’s mobile phone and music playing device.  Since the release of the original iPhone last year, they have been sold exclusively in Apple’s web site and retail stores, and AT&T retailers.  Best Buy has also recently began fixing up their mobile phone department in some stores, and plans to do the same to many more locations in the future.  Apple computers and iPod devices are also sold in Best Buy stores, and it was said that the reason Best Buy was able to sell iPhones was because of their long standing relationship.  So far, there is no news as to whether the devices will be sold by other retailers in the future, but at this rate, it does not seem very far fetched.  Just last year, when the original iPhone was launched, they were only available in the US, and then a year later when the 3G iPhone was launched it was available in over 20 countries with plans to be sold in many more later on.  With the report that Best Buy will now be selling the iPhones in their stores, it definately appears that Apple wants the iPhones available to more people than currently have access to them.