U.S./German 16GB iPhone shortages, May replentishment?

Apple appears to be experiencing a widespread shortage of 16GB iPhones, based on checks at multiple Apple retail stores, as well as a report from German iPod publication iFun.de. Ten U.S.-based Apple retail locations contacted by iLounge yielded only one store with the higher-capacity model in stock, while Apple’s online store currently lists a 5-7 business day shipping time on the 16GB model. According to iFun (Translated link), T-Mobile Germany is not currently offering the 16GB version, and the company’s representatives have suggested that the shortage might last until May. Separate checks on the availability of 32GB iPod touch models, which were widely available, suggest that the shortage of 16GB iPhones is not related to Apple’s decreased orders of flash memory, but may instead be attributable to low production of 16GB iPhones, high demand, or merely a reallocation of supplies for international consumption.