The pending arrival of the iPhone 3G in Best Buy stores across the country signals that shortages of the Apple Inc. devices are easing, analysts said Wednesday.

Apple and Best Buy Co., the top U.S. electronics retail chain, announced this week a deal to sell the popular gadget in Best Buy’s 970 stores nationwide starting Sept. 7.

The move will put the iPhone for sale in towns and suburbs where it hasn’t been available and suggests that Apple is boosting its inventory for the Christmas shopping season.