Rumored Apple Keynote To Focus On Music

According to “multiple music industry sources,” MediaMemo reports that Apple is planning a music-centric keynote event for the week of Sept. 7, possibly to debut the new “Cocktail” format that Apple has been working on, which bundles full-length albums with special features and interactive content like album covers and liner notes.

That Apple floated the ‘news’ to music industry executives has rumors swirling about what the tech company might be unveiling.

It could be, and most likely will be, something iPod-related, which falls in line with the September timing. Two years ago Apple introduced the iPod Touch and last year featured an overhaul of the iPod Nano.

Maybe we’ll see a third generation iPod Touch, with the rumored built-camera. There’s even talk of a digital compass and microphone added to an updated model.

Another big question people are thinking is whether or not the much-discussed Apple tablet will launch at this event. Not too mention if Apple CEO Steve Jobs will use the September event to make his first public appearance since returning from medical leave earlier this year.

MediaMemo:

“…But unless Apple unveils its so-called iTablet, a touchscreen device that’s supposed to be a cross between an iPhone and a full-fledged MacBook laptop computer, there are going to be a lot of disappointed Apple acolytes.”

Apple hasn’t actually confirmed the event, so everyone is still locked in conjecture mode, but the fact that music industry folks are offering information to Peter Kafka signals (to me at least) the Cupertino, CA-based company has something cooking.

Expect plenty of rumors and lots of hearsay between now and the expected music event, which is always fun when it comes to predicting what’s in store from Apple.

Is there anything special you’d like to see Apple launch at the September event?