Apple iPod event to be held September 9th, 2009 (09/09/09)

AllthingsD is reporting that Apple will hold its yearly music event, which largely focuses on iPods, on September 9th, 2009. That is exactly one year to the day from which it had its "Let's Rock" event last year.

This year the event is expected to focus on new iPods and Apple's Cocktail Album encapsulation formats. Here's what the rumor mill has been turning out:

iPods:

The iPod touch will be updated with camera and GPS (maaybe a compass). It looks like it, like the iPhone, will sport the same look it has had previously. The sizes will be 16/32/64GB coming in at the $199/$299/$399 price points which compare favorably with the ZuneHD. In years past they've shipped pretty quickly after the show. 

The iPod Nano will also see a camera update, but beyond that, not much is known. From leak case images, it looks like it, too, will retain the same form factor.

Could this be the death of the iPod Classic? Perhaps with the iPod touch hitting 64GB and having Wifi to be able to stream media, the last hard drive iPod will have its burial at this year's show

Frankly, I think the Shuffle could also die but I don't expect Apple to kill it so quickly.

Music

Apple is expected to release the project codenamed Cocktail which will group songs together with other media, which should spur full album sales. Album sales have been lagging recently.

Jobs?

Will Steve Jobs make an appearance at this year's iPod release? Will he give the Keynote? Those questions loom large in the run-up to next month's event. We'll find out when the invites are handed out. And with Steve the #2 question on everyone's mind...

One more thing:

It sounds like Apple's leakers are trying to tell eveyone not to expect a tablet. It might be until later this year/early next year before we see such a device. That being said, it would be nice to be surprised.