Two Apple retailers in Shanghai began selling unrestricted quantities of the iPhone4 on Monday, a move read by Apple fans and analysts as an attempt to clear inventory and pave the way for the rollout of the iPhone 5.

But the prediction was denied by an Apple China spokesperson, who said the move was an individual act by the retail stores, not a corporate decision.

The iPhone 4 is still unavailable on apple.com.cn, Apple China's official website.

Rumors that the iPhone 5 will debut soon have spread like wildfire in recent weeks. Brian White, an analyst at Ticonderoga Securities, said the iPhone 5 will be launched in June or July, and will be for sale on the market in September.

Apple usually launches its newest device at its Worldwide Developers Conference, held annually in June.

The iPhone 5 will hit stores in the third quarter, Commerce Times, a Taiwan-based newspaper, reported, citing parts manufacturers for Apple products in Taiwan.

China's business press carried the story above on Wednesday. China.org.cn has not checked the stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.