Speculation has it that Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) may soon be debuting a new version of Apple TV.

Among the chief indicators that Apple may be planning an upgrade is the fact the present model seems to be out of stock at most leading retailers, according to 9to5Mac and CNET.

Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) is no longer shipping Apple TVs to online customers, and most of its brick-and-mortar stores no longer have it in stock. Many Sears (NASDAQ:SHLD), Target (NYSE:TGT), and Walmart (NYSE:WMT) websites no longer list it, and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) is presently selling the 2010 model on a 2-5 week backorder. Radio Shack only offers it in some stores.

Generally speaking, when products disappear from the shelves, it’s usually a sign that they’re either being discontinued or undergoing an upgrade. Given that this is an Apple product, and the only offering of its kind, the former seems rather unlikely, which means a new Apple TV may be on the horizon.

Apple teased a new Apple TV last year, but downplayed the idea when discussing it with analysts during its fourth-quarter earnings calls. Of course, Apple has never really been one to discuss products still in the pipeline, so the company’s reluctance to comment on rumors should be no surprise, and gives no evidence to substantiate or dispute rumors.

Some suspect the new device may be announced as soon as next month, when Apple is expected to unveil its new iPad — another unconfirmed but well-substantiated rumor that seems likely to come to fruition.

To contact the reporter on this story: Jonathan Morris at staff.writers@wallstcheatsheet.com

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Damien Hoffman at editors@wallstcheatsheet.com

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