T-Mobile cuts price of iPhone in Germany to spur sales

While the iPhone may be in short supply in the United States amidst rumors of a forthcoming 3G model, the iconic device doesn't appear to be selling as well in Germany. In turn, Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile arm is lowering the price to just 99 euros ($122 USD) for two months.

The promotion runs from April 7 to June 30, and is a sharp discount from the iPhone's suggested retail price of 399 euros. The 99 euro offer is for the 8GB model only. In the United States, the sells for $399, although for a time, buyers could pick up the discontinued 4GB model for $299.

However, there is a catch to T-Mobile's deal: customers must agree to a monthly calling contract that costs at least 89 euros per month. Those opting for a new "starter" iPhone contract that runs 29 euros per month can purchase the phone for 249 euros during the two month period.

Germany appears to be the first country where Apple and its carrier partners have been willing to waver on the price of the iPhone since its introduction nearly a year ago.

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said in a research note this week that many Apple stores have sold out of the device and suggests there is an 80 percent chance a new iPhone model will arrive soon. He expects that a 3G version will retain the same $399 price point in order to keep sales up. But customers will still be forced to pay more, as a 3G data plan from AT&T runs $50 per month compared to the current iPhone's $20 per month EDGE plan.