As the rumors surrounding the next iteration of the iPhone gain momentum, U.S. carrier Verizon shaved off the price of the current-gen iPhone 5 by $100, fueling speculations that the iPhone 5S/iPhone 6 launch is closer than we think. However Verizon's website reflected the discounted $99.99 price briefly before being bumped back to $199.99.

According to an AppleInsider report "On Wednesday morning, Verizon appeared to have jumped the gun on its website, posting the 16-gigabyte iPhone 5 for just $99.99 with the activation of a two-year contract. The price listing was visible for only a short time before reverting to the normal price point, but AppleInsider tipster Nicholas managed to grab a screenshot clearly showing the lower price."

Verizon was quick to correct the price drop and the carrier's website now reflects the regular $199.99 on-contract price for the 16GB model. At this juncture, it is not known why the price drop occurred whether it was a mistake or a sign of things to come.

Perhaps, Verizon intends on implementing the price reduction in the near term, which would in turn hint that the carrier was trying to get rid of older inventory in time for the iPhone 5S' rumored fall release. Rumors have also suggested that the iPhone 5S could launch in July and a permanent Verizon price drop for the iPhone 5 would suggest that the next-gen Apple smartphone's release could be closer than we think. The listing hints at a permanent drop as it read "now" $99.99.

Verizon, however, refused to comment and a representative told Apple Insider when contacted that "it does not respond to rumors." 

Earlier in May, noted tipster @evleaks had tweeted the iPhone 5 price drop from Verizon as upcoming. Given @evleaks' track record, we may have gotten a glimpse of a future iPhone 5 promotion from Verizon.

With Samsung and HTC launching their 2013 flagships, Apple is feeling the heat. However, we will have to bide our time and see when Apple finally launches the iPhone 5S/iPhone 6.