Apple music event slated for September 9 - sans tablet
The only real surprise is that the event is being held on a Wednesday (September 9) as opposed to Apple's typical Tuesday announcement.
The event will be held in San Francisco–most likely at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, where it has occurred in years past–and is expected to showcase upgrades to the iPod line and an update to iTunes that may involve some sort of social element. Our sources insist it will not involve any discussion whatsoever of the tablet Apple is reportedly developing.
The other bit of news is that the event is said to be a purely music event, presumably to announce the next generation iPod touch, iPod nano and possibly a new version of iTunes. Translation: no tablet for you!
Other things that could get announced at the event include "cocktail," a.k.a. digital downloads that will accompany whole-album purchases (liner, notes, artwork, interactive content, etc.). The Beatles on iTunes aren't likely, but always a possibility.
The bigger question is who will keynote the event. Phil Schiller is the odds-on favorite but there are some rumblings that Steve Jobs may re-take the stage. Call it a long shot.
Update: A tweet from CNBC analyst Jim Goldman on Monday night claims "Jobs’ return to the stage VERY LIKELY at the $AAPL event." (Tip: Edible Apple).
We should know more when Apple sends out the invitations to the media -- probably early next week.