Over the past few days I’ve been keeping an eye on the inventory pages on Apple.com. This handy service shows which Apple stores have the new iPhone in stock, and which models are actually on the shelf.

One thing I’ve constantly seen is that the 16GB iPhone sold out almost everywhere, in both colors (with the black version selling out first).

When Apple introduced the first generation iPhone, they started with a 4GB and 8GB version, and just like now, the larger one was the biggest seller. Just 2 months after its introduction, the 4GB version was discontinued. due to lack of customer interest.

So I have to wonder whether Apple really learned from their mistake? Of whether they are doing this on purpose? Sure, they had to make some concessions to keep that magical $199 price point, but they could have anticipated that demand for the larger one would massive. Of course, knowing Apple, this is all part of their grand scheme. Either way, it’s pretty crappy because a lot of people walk into an Apple store and when faced with just one choice of iPhone (8GB), they’ll decide they don’t want to spend another 4 hours in line and pick the one they didn’t really want. That’s dedication for ya!

My guess is that in 2 months Apple will discontinue the 8GB 3G iPhone, and that by December we’ll see a new 32GB version show up. Just in time for Christmas…