O2, Carphone sell out of 8GB iPhone stock

Two of the three vendors of the UK iPhone report they are out or nearly out of 8GB stock, according to multiple sources. The most deeply affected is Carphone Warehouse, which has confirmed a message from the Tradedoubler ad network, asking websites to stop promoting the £100 discount on 8GB phones as Carphone is out of stock. People can still technically order an the model from the vendor's website, but it is said that Carphone does not "expect to receive any additional stock at this time."

Meanwhile, O2 -- the official carrier of the UK iPhone -- says it has completely run out of 8GB phones for online sales, and has a dwindling number in its various retail locations. The company may in fact run out in the same fashion as Carphone, as it says it is currently deciding whether or not to reorder.

Stock levels at Apple's official retail shops are unknown, but it is believed by several analysts that Apple and its partners are deliberately eliminating the 8GB/2.5G iPhone from inventory in advance of a new 3G model, which could be announced as soon as June's WWDC conference. Some form of 2.5G phone may remain on the market, such as the present 16GB edition.

Filed under: iPhone
Other story tags: UK, O2, Carphone Warehouse