The blogosphere is abuzz with speculation that Apple is planning a major event for early September during which it may unleash a major iPod line refresh. The company has a history of making iPod and music-related moves in the month of September, but Apple declined an invitation to comment.
The latest rash of rumors about an Apple September surprise was set off by a recent blog from All Things Digital. Citing unnamed sources in the music industry, the blog said that the week of Sept. 7 could be the launching pad for another round of music-related announcements.
“We do not comment on rumors and speculation,” an Apple spokesperson said.
Stealing Microsoft’s Thunder
Apple unveiled revamped iPod touch and iPod nano models at an event on Sept. 9 last year, when it also announced its next-generation iTunes 8 player for Macs and PCs. The company has also held events in September in the past to showcase its first trend-setting iPod touch, together with earlier releases of its iTunes software.
On Monday UBS Investment Research analyst Maynard Um cited potential iPod refreshes as one of the reasons why he has boosted his rating on Apple’s shares for the quarter ending in September. “Given our view that these new potential announcements could be sentiment catalysts, we are adding a short-term buy rating on Apple,” Um told investors in a research note.
One big advantage of holding an event the week of Sept. 7 this year is that it would give Apple a chance to steal some thunder from Microsoft, which plans to begin selling its next-generation Zune HD digital media player on Sept. 15. Among other things, the Zune HD will best the current iPod touch by offering higher-resolution video streaming and access to live radio broadcasts and video-game downloads.
But IDC’s Program Director of Consumer…