The internet just about blew up the other day when word dropped that Apple would be selling contract-free iPhones at unsubsidized prices. There were rumors that the handsets would be unlocked as well, but that was just a rumor. If you’ll remember, this happened last year, just before the launch of the iPhone 3GS. The idea is to get rid of as much inventory as possible. It’s not easy to sell those expensive handsets, but some of the folks that can send of them overseas or feel like running them on T-Mobile will pick them up.

The news virtually guarantees a new iPhone model in the coming summer. What other reason would Apple have for selling unsubsidized handsets? The smart money says there will be a fire sale on subsidized 3GS models, just like there was on the 3G. Would you pay $99 for a 3GS on AT&T? Yeah, I thought you would.

You can check out the official leaked document at Gizmodo.

AT&T has refurbished versions of both the black and white 3G iPhones for just $149.00 when you sign up for a 2-year contract. This is definitely the best deal on the web for the Apple phone, and will probably entice plenty of folks to get one.

Of course, I’m always skeptical when it comes to pricing things for liquidation. Could this point to the third-generation iPhone? Coupled with the news that AT&T is also selling phones out of contract, I’d give it a definite yes.