In Apple stores all throughout the United States, there is a shortage of iPhones. Some say  this is a deliberate move from the company’s part, in the attempt to clear out the existing stock, as the new 3G networks seem to be just around the corner. Others feel differently. "In our view, the most likely explanation for this unusual situation is a production shortfall, possibly due to a component shortage," analyst Toni Sacconaghi wrote in a note, quoted by Reuters.

Apple officials do not confirm any of these rumors. "We are working to replenish iPhone supplies as quickly as we can," Apple spokesman Steve Dowling told Dow Jones Newswires on Wednesday. "Our stores continue to receive shipments of iPhone almost every day," he added.

According to Bank of America Corp., Apple will produce at least 11 million 3G iPhones by the end of the third quarter of 2008. This new phone will operate on AT&T’s faster network, which will provide Internet users with a significant speed boost. The range of its uses will be diversified even further, as it will also feature GPS navigation.

Although a launch date for the new phone hasn’t been made public yet, it was supposed to come sometime during the summer, perhaps June or July. The release date may have been moved up a bit, causing the current Apple store situation, but as no official statement has been released, one can only speculate on this presently hot issue.