You may have heard that Apple will be hosting a media event on September 9th (tomorrow) where it will likely make some big announcements and even launch a few new products. The event is focused around music, if its rock and roll theme is any indication. The Mac and iPhone maker usually holds an event around this time every year.
And much like past years, the September 9th event has been a hotbed for speculation within the media. There has been constant chatter around iPods with cameras, a new version of iTunes with Facebook and Twitter integration, The Beatles coming to iTunes, the fabled Apple Tablet, an appearance by Apple CEO Steve Jobs, and more that could be revealed at this event.
So what should you actually expect this Wednesday? While we are not oracles and can’t predict what Apple will in fact announce, we can gather a pretty good idea from the reports we’ve gathered and the evidence we’ve seen. Below is our assessment of what could happen at this week’s media event, from a new line of iPods to the potential first public appearance of Steve Jobs:
iPods
This event is almost guaranteed to be focused around the next generation of Apple’s media player. It just wouldn’t make sense if Apple didn’t announce a new iPod at this event. So what iPod announcements should you expect?
The speculation has focused around iPod Touches with cameras. Just like an iPhone, the iPod Touch line would now be able to take pictures (with a 3.2 MP lens), record videos, and upload them to the web with ease. There will probably be other iPhone 3G S-like upgrades, such as compass navigation and perhaps voice recognition. The key is the camera, though.
The new iPods could launch this month or even tomorrow, although some rumors indicate that it may not appear on the market until later this year.
The fate of the older generation of iPods, like the Classic and the Nano, is not yet known. Some believe they’ll be discontinued as a line, but we’re not so sure about that discussion, especially in regards to the Nano.
iTunes
There seem to be two likely announcements in terms of iTunes. First, it’s almost guaranteed that Apple will announce a new version of iTunes, iTunes 9. Most likely this new version will improve the interface, address concerns with organizing iPhone apps, and include music sharing features via Twitter (
), Facebook (
), and Last.fm ().
The other announcement could be that The Beatles are finally going to be downloadable in the iTunes store. The date of Apple’s keynote adds fuel to the fire of this rumor – it is the same day of the launch of The Beatles Rock Band, which itself is a reference to Revolution 9. A deal struck earlier this year between Apple and the storied rock band also makes this announcement a likely one.
Apple Tablet
We separated fact from fiction a short while ago on the subject of the Apple Tablet, but here’s the essential news: while the Tablet most likely exists, it probably won’t appear at this event. Tomorrow’s Apple keynote is a music-centric event focused on iPods and iTunes, not on a brand new computing product. It also appears to need a bit more time before it’s ready for the market.
Our suggestion: don’t hold your breath for a Tablet surprise, because you’ll probably pass out. Still, anything’s possible and the Tablet could blow us all away.
iPhone
No, you’re not going to see a new iPhone. Yes, you’re likely to hear more about the iPhone 3.1 OS upgrade. Bluetooth () voice control and improved video editing controls should be part of the package. And while releasing the iPhone 3.1 OS during the keynote would make sense, the activation of MMS for AT&T customers could be included in the package as well, which would make its release date September 25th.
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs, who recently went back to work after battling illness for most of this year, is rumored to be the man who will give this keynote. He’s always been the man with the keynote, and while Phil Schiller (Senior VP of Marketing) did a great job with the 2009 Macworld keynote, Steve Jobs is now back in command. If he’s healthy enough to lead Apple, he’s probably healthy enough to handle this keynote.
If that’s the case, Wednesday would mark the first public appearance by the Apple CEO since his leave of absence.
These are just a few of the things that you can expect tomorrow. Apple always likes to pull out surprises though, so if you think you can predict what else it will launch or announce tomorrow, be sure to add it to the comments.
