Steve Jobs to host September 9th iPod event, analyst claims

Update: Shaw Wu of Kaufman Bros. released a note to investors this morning saying Jobs was a no-go for the iPod event.  Munster has been historically more accurate than Wu, plus we want to see Jobs doing his thing so we're going with Munster.

Apple’s now-confirmed special event on September 9th may mark the return to the keynote stage of Apple CEO Steve Jobs, Piper Jaffray analyst, Gene Munster, claims this morning.

In a note to clients the analyst warned investors may not be blown away by the new camera-carrying iPods classic, nano and touch. He believes the iPod segment is slowing, but ignores that iPod touch sales continue to climb (up 130 per cent last quarter y-o-y). He also ignores that the inclusion of video extends iPods into a whole new category of casual digital video cameras, a la Flip.

The analyst thinks the return (if it happens) of Jobs will inspire renewed investor confidence.

Other possible announcements next Wednesday, according to Munster as reported by CNNMoney:

- A new version of iTunes with integrated social networking features.
- Changes to the iTunes Store, including new music features with richer album artwork.
- Expanded TV and movie options on iTunes with more available content and/or better viewing rights for multiple devices.

The analyst yesterday predicted Apple may introduce a cable competing all-you-can-eat TV show subscription service through iTunes to boost the Apple TV.

Munster also predicted Apple will move away from exclusive iPhone deals with carriers in the next year.