Today's the day we've been anticipating for months: iPhone 4S launch day. Apple fans hit retailers in droves to get their hands on the new handset, braving wind, rain and, perhaps most dangerously of all, other Apple aficionados.

The iPhone 4S has shown phenomenally strong pre-order numbers, and by the looks of it, first-day sales won't be too shabby either (some estimates are pegging sales of over 4 million for this weekend alone). Some lucky German folks who pre-ordered the phone received their units several days early. Those who missed out on the chance to pre-order, but still wanted to get the handset on opening day, had to stand in line to pick up the 4S this morning.

Here are some of our favorite iPhone 4S launch day images from around the world.

Above:

Japanese Apple fans donning iPhone-cut-out headpieces wait in line in front of a Softbank Mobile Corp. storefront in Tokyo on launch day. The cardboard-based hats don't look too comfortable, but at least they make you stand out in a crowd (and get your photo taken by the press). (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)