Since the news that Apple’s white iPhone 4 wouldn’t become available until spring 2011, we’ve been expecting it to be quietly canceled sometime before that date, and although it still theoretically could be – point of sale signage like the piece pictured here makes it much less likely.

The very last thing we heard about the white iPhone 4 was a rumor Apple had no intention of releasing the device, and that come spring next year, all us fickle iPhone fans would be too caught up in the next generation iPhone to care.

One other possibility presents itself though.  When a new iPhone is announced mid-2011, it’s probable that the iPhone 3GS will be discontinued, leaving a gap in Apple’s two-phone line-up.  What if they cancel the black iPhone 4 too and replace it with the white iPhone 4 as their cheaper option?

After all, spring 2011 could be as late as May, and it could get a price drop at the same time, all ready for the new full price iPhone 5 (or iPhone 4S) in June.  This retains a degree of exclusivity, and the draw of a ‘budget’ model gives them the chance to actually sell the things they’ve spent so long perfecting!