When Apple introduced the iPhone 5 last week, they also told us that the iPhone 4 would become a free-on-contract option for budget-minded customers, but that it would be limited to select carriers. Immediately after announcement, Apple discounted the iPhone 4 and 4S on Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T to $0 (or $0.99) and $99 respectively, leading us to believe that the iPhone 4 would continue to be offered at these carriers.
A new memo obtained by 9 to 5 Mac indicates that Sprint will no longer feature the iPhone 4 in its stores this Friday, making room on the display shelves for the iPhone 5. While no formal announcement on its iPhone 4 intentions have been made, customers looking to get their hands on the free iPhone 4 should head into their Sprint store before Friday. This is not to say that Sprint will discontinue the device altogether, and instead may opt to sell the device only via its online store, but better in this case to err on the side of caution if you’re on the fence about the iPhone 4.
Another possible scenario is Sprint repurposing their iPhone 4 inventory to the company’s Virgin Mobile prepaid MNVO, which began selling the iPhone 4S and 4 units this summer. We should learn of Sprint’s ambitions later this week, though the company will definitely sell the iPhone 5 and 4S devices should you have an iPhone in your sights.
Update: Sprint has confirmed the iPhone 4 will be going web-only this Friday.
[via 9 to 5 Mac]