Contract-free iPhone - Apple clearing out iPhone 3G/3GS inventories ahead of 4G?

Apple is now selling contract-free iPhone 3G and 3GS handsets (which, despite some reports, are still locked to the AT&T network). Is the company clearing inventories ahead of a 4G release?

Prices are as follows:

• iPhone 3G 8GB: $499
• iPhone 3GS 16GB: $599
• iPhone 3GS 32GB: $699

You can only have the privilege of buying one full-priced handset per day, up to a lifetime limit of 10.

Still, it's paying full whack for last years handset ... in my mind you'd need to be pretty desperate to do that.

However, it seems clear that this is a way for Apple to help clear its inventory of older handsets to make way for a new model. Traditionally, this new model should make an appearance in June or July.

These handsets also look awfully expensive compared to the iPad ... price-drop anyone?