As predicted. From Ben Charny in the WSJ ($):

Apple Inc. is expected next week to introduce new versions of its digital music players that have more features, but cost the same. The new gear, say analysts, typifies how the Cupertino, Calif., company is focusing on its core businesses after expanding into the cellphone industry earlier this year with its iPhone.

Last month, Apple unveiled a similar update of its iMac desktop computers, in which it added more features and in some cases dropped the prices.

Apple, in an emailed invitation, would only reveal that it has scheduled the media event for Wednesday in San Francisco.

Taking off from rumors on the mac sites, the article speculates that Apple is beginning work on an “iCar” device that might work as a car stereo system, but quoted a Volkswagen spokesperson saying “there’s nothing going on.”

Other potentials (and please note, all Apple developments are highly speculative) include:

* A touch-screen iPod;
* A wifi’ed iPod;
* HD content and movie rentals from the iTunes Store;
* The ability to turn your iTunes songs into iPhone ringtones; and, inevitably,
* The long-awaited availability of Beatles songs in the iTunes Store.

Macrumors is here.
Apple Insider is here.