SEATTLE (AP) – Wal-Mart says it’s cutting the price of the most up-to-date iPhone in half. That’s another sign Apple is getting ready to unveil a new model.

Wal-Mart says that starting Tuesday the iPhone 3GS with 16 gigabytes of storage space will cost $97 with a two-year contract with AT&T. It currently costs $197.

Leaked prototypes for an updated iPhone surfaced on blogs recently. The price cut could signal retailers are clearing the shelves to make room for a new Apple smart phone.

Apple declined to comment on whether it’s planning to release a new iPhone soon, or whether it will also sell the iPhone 3GS for less.

The company’s annual developer conference kicks off June 7. Apple unveiled the iPhone 3GS at the same event last year.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.