The dust has barely settled after Apple's last media event where it introduced the new iPod line and dramatically reduced the price of the iPhones, and now the company is preparing for another. UK media has been invited to a special Apple event at the company's flagship London store next week.

Apple media event scheduled for 10 a.m., Tuesday 18 September, at the Regents Street Apple Store remains mysterious. The invitations proclaim that "Mum is no longer the word" but that only applies to next Tuesday, until then Apple PR will only comment that "mum is the word" according to Macworld.

Despite the cryptic statement, it is obvious that this is UK-specific event and the most likely candidate is the iPhone. While the iPhone is indeed the first thing that springs to mind, this need not be the case. The device could still be iPhone related without actually introducing the product itself and Apple could announce the deal it has struck with carriers in order to release information about the subscription service for the device before its actual launch. Similarly, Apple could announce plans for a new version of the iPhone, with 3G and bigger storage to fill the top of the line model hole that currently exists.
Alternatively the event could have nothing whatsoever to do with the iPhone, Apple announcing that TV shows and movies are finally available outside the US. Another possibility is the Beatles catalogue finally becoming part of the iTunes Store, after years of rumors, speculations and announcements of imminence.

Obviously, there will be no clarification from Apple, but rumors and speculation will abound. As the event draws near leaks could shed more light on what we can expect, until then it is anybody's guess. With this announcement so soon after the previous one, chances are good that expectations will be high and Apple will have to deliver something worthwhile or leave people seriously underwhelmed.