It took just 74 days after its US release to hit the 1 million sales mark now O2, the leading wireless carrier in the UK lands exclusive rights to Apples iPhone.

This begs the question! Will the iPhone be as popular overseas where consumers are accustomed to getting their hands on the latest, most powerful and innovative handsets first?

 It will definitely be interesting due to the following reasons

1. There is no distinction between the US and European versions  (No 3G)
2. Competition from more powerful devices like the Nokia N95, Samsung's F700 and LGs? KS20 to name a few will put pressure on iPhone sales.
3. The iPhone UI can be installed on just about any touch screen phone with the appropriate third party software. See video here (the first minute is a little annoying)
4. Limited third party applications 
5. Limited email protocols (no POP3, IMAP or SMTP) 
6. No MS document viewer

Don't get wrong, Apple has a lot of momentum going for it right now between the recent price drop and the ability to unlock the phone it may actually be a strong contender to become the most popular phone in Europe before the end of the year.

 What do you think Apple should do to improve the iPhone?
(Use "add a comment" link below)

Read the full press release here