Mobile phone retailers in the United Kingdom have begun removing the Google Nexus 4 from their inventories, sparking speculation that a successor could be on its way. Both Carphone Warehouse and Phones4U have ceased selling the handset this week, just days before Google I/O 2013 gets underway.

The Nexus 4 is still available to purchase from Google direct, and through certain carriers like O2. But a number of retailers are no longer selling it. Its disappearance has prompted more rumors that a Nexus 5 could be unveiled at Google I/O next week.

But let’s not forget that the Nexus 4 is still a relatively new smartphone. It was launched back in November, just six months ago, and it seems a little unlikely that Google would already be lining up a successor.

There is a chance, however, that an updated Nexus 4 could be on the way.

Recent rumors have suggested that Google is preparing a new 32GB version of the handset, which may also boast LTE connectivity. The current version has a maximum of 16GB of storage, and LTE isn’t supported.

There’s also a possibility that Nexus 4 stock is simply running low again, and that it’s just been pulled temporarily while retailers await new units. With that in mind, don’t get too excited for a new model just yet.

Whatever the case may be, we should know more during Google I/O next week.

• ViaTechRadar