In what can be seen as yet another sign that Apple’s next-gen iPhone handset is just around the corner, new reports are suggesting that US retailers are cutting back pricing on the iPhone 4, presumably to clear stock ahead of the iPhone 5 release.
Although exact details of when the iPhone 5 will be released are unknown, with most people pushing for either a September or October release. To me, however, these reports seem to indicate that the launch will occur sooner rather than later.
Radio Shack and Target have both cut the price on all iPhone 4 models. Radio Shack has lowered the price of the 16GB iPhone 4 to $169.99 with a 2-year contract, and $269.99 for the 32GB version, also with a contract. This reflects a discount of about $30. Further, Target stores now offer the 16GB model for $149.99, and the 32GB model for $249.99, a savings of $50, also both under a 2-year contract.
While Verizon, AT&T and Apple are still sticking with the $199/$299 pricing for these units, the fact that retailers are slashing prices on the iPhone 4 may be a solid indication that they are trying to reduce stock. The fact that this is happening in the beginning of August reinforces the notion of a September iPhone 5 launch in my mind.
