iPod Prices Slashed, New Products Almost Confirmed

In its usual manner, the Cupertino-based Mac maker has quietly slashed prices across its entire iPod line, making 8GB nanos available for as low as $129 and the 8GB iPod touch for just $189. Classic iPods are also cheaper ahead of Apple’s music-focused event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, scheduled for today.

Tipsters talking to TUAW spotted the changes on the iTunes store just moments ago, posting the following findings: “iPod nano is now $129 for 8GB and $149 for 16GB; iPod classic is now $229; iPod touch is now $189 for 8GB, $249 for 16GB and $279 for 32GB.” The company hasn’t had the chance to update all the pages of its web store. Therefore, a number of banners still advertise the players with the old prices.

Last week, Apple sent out invitations to a “Rock and Roll” event scheduled for September 9. The email revealed that the show would be hosted at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco, bearing the following message: “Please join us for an invitation-only event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco on September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Please arrive early.” The invitations also include directions to the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

Leaving new iPods aside, at least one analyst believes Apple is gearing up for Apple TV updates as well. A new version of iTunes with integrated social-networking features is likely coming out too, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster believes. Munster also projects that other changes to the iTunes Store will include new music features with a richer album artwork. Lastly, Apple may also add expanded TV and movie options on iTunes with more available content and/or better viewing rights for multiple devices, the researcher claims.