Apple events often cause a stir in the tech community and this one is no different! Each year around this time Apple have a event which involves updates to it’s iPod range. As always Apple don’t specifically say what the event involves, which causes bloggers and rumour sites to go wild as they try and work out what exactly Apple has on the way. This year is no different and there are lots of rumours some which are highly likely to be true and some which aren’t so likely!

There has been rumours circulating regarding this event before it was announced as there is always an event around this time for Apple’s iPod range, which includes major updates ready for Christmas. The will take place on Wednesday 1st September at the following times:

• 10AM Pacific Time
• 1PM New York
• 6PM London
• 9PM Moscow
• 3AM Queensland (2nd September)

Apple Event Invitation Image

The Rumours

iPod Touch – Rear Camera, Built in Microphone, Front camera for FaceTime, Retina display and even 3G connectivity.

• Rear Camera – A rear camera is something that people thought would of been in the last iPod however photos showing a rear camera have popped up so it is likely. Cloud Bite thinks this is Highly Likely
• Built in Microphone/Front Camera – It is highly likely the iPod will have a front camera as Apple wants to extend it’s Facetime range. It said millions of “devices” will have facetime by the end of 2010 and not all can be iPhones. Also the iOS SDK shows been able to contact people via e-mail to initiate facetime. Cloud Bite thinks this is Highly Likely
• Retina Display – The iPod is an entertainment device and would make full use of the retina display. With eBooks as well Apple will want to make a device that can match the iPhone for readability. However can Apple make enough of these displays? Cloud Bite thinks this is Likely
• 3G Connectivity – With the success of the iPad with a 3G connection, and Apple supposedly working on streaming content an iPod with a 3G sim could well happen. Surely though the cost if all the above happens would be very close to the iPhone and therefore not worth buying? Cloud Bite thinks this is Less Likely

Possible iPod Nano/Shuffle Case (via Micgadget)

iPod Nano – Much Smaller, Square Shaped and Touch Screen.

• Smaller square shaped design – Manufacturers have been producing cases for the speculated device. They have access to information early as long as it is kept under wraps but a leaked photograph (via Micgadget)  shows cases for a much smaller device. Cloud Bite thinks this is Highly Likely
• Touch screen – Not only the fact that a small device doesn’t really have room for buttons and a screen but another leaked image (via MacRumours) shows a very small 3cmx3cm screen that looks just like a mini iPod Touch. Cloud Bite thinks this is Highly Likely

Leaked Screen Possible iPod Nano/Shuffle (via Macrumours)

Apple TV (iTV) - New Generation based on iOS, Supports Apps and only $100 (probably more in the UK as usual)

• New Generation based on iOS – Apples current TV offering hasn’t really taken off so they will want to grab hold of this market before others do! Basing it on iOS means that it could get app support and even be controlled via a iPod/iPhone/iPad. Exactly what apps though is unclear and there may just be dedicated apps rather than iPhone/iPad/iPod apps. Cloud Bite thinks this is Highly Likely
• Some reports say it will only have 720p support and not 1080p (which sounds like madness) and also the name will be iTV again like in 2006 before it’s name changed. However ITV in the UK have sad they will fight over Apple using this name if they do try to. Apple said the name is not too similar so maybe aTV? Cloud Bite thinks this is Likely

iTunes – TV Show Rentals and Longer Previews of Songs

• TV Show Rentals – Bloomberg has said that Apple will have TV Show Rentals at just under $1. This seems likely as it already has movies. Cloud Bite thinks this is Highly Likely
• Longer Previews of Songs – Up to 60 seconds from 30, it seems Apple will up this as there has been heavy criticism 30 seconds isnt long enough. Cloud Bite thinks this is Highly Likely

Pure Speculation

iPad – 4.0 Software Update, 7″ version

• This is something all iPad owners including myself are desperate for. To be honest it is all I am bothered about tomorrow. If iPad 4.0 is not released it does seem a kick in the teeth from Apple to it’s iPad owners as it becomes more Android like in terms of updates. Also if Apple have had chance to build iOS based software for the rumoured iTV surely they could make the iPad one? If this isn’t out then surely we will see the beta for it?

iPod – 2.8″ iPod Touch

• iLounge suggested there may be a 2.8″ iPod touch which will fill the gap of the Nano now it is suggested to be much smaller. Could that nano mentioned earlier just be a iPod Shuffle?

iLife - New Make your own app tool

• iLife, Apples suite of “cool” applications may have a new application that will let end users make a Application for their iOS device without having to submit it to the App store. This is intriguing!

Remember to check out Engadget tomorrow who as always will have a live feed from the event. Also Cloud Bite will have a round up of what came true and what slipped under the radar tomorrow.