The iPhone was met with stunning success in the U.S. While Apple met with some resistance in other countries due to their desire to try and pull the same "exclusive dealer" nonsense, they ultimately caved to demands of local governments, such as France, and as such are ready to unleash the unit in Europe. Starting Friday, the iPhone will be made available in the U.K and Germany, followed by France later on this month.
These will be the first three countries to receive the units after the U.S. Many are wondering and speculating if it will create the same amount of demand overseas that it did closer to Apple's home, and whether or not it will be received as warmly.
Ongoing fights between Apple and modders continue, thought clearly there's no stopping Apple at this point.