Apple hints at iTunes and iPod revamp

Apple may be planning a new line of iPods

Apple is sending out invitations for a gathering on 9 September in San Francisco.

The invitations for 'Let's Rock' feature the familiar iPod-toting dancing silhouette associated with Apple's iTunes service.

The event will bring to a head weeks of speculation that Apple might be in the process of revamping its iPod line.

Rumours first surfaced when chief financial officer Peter Oppenheimer said in a quarterly earnings report that the company had new products in the pipeline.

Last week, Digg founder Kevin Rose reported on his blog that Apple was planning to announce a makeover of the iPod nano.

The new player would abandon the small, squat frame for a longer, thinner casing which would allow for a widescreen display, according to Rose, who also predicted updates for the iPod touch and the iTunes software.

September events have been a favourite venue in the past for Apple to launch iPod and iTunes updates.

The company used an event in 2006 to roll out new iPod Shuffle and nano models as well as an expanded movie store and the AppleTV box.

In 2007, September brought the re-shaped iPod nano and the first incarnations of the iPod touch.

• Mac Inspector: iPhone whoopee cushion gone with the wind