Barclay Capital's Analyst Ben Reitzes expects Apple to release a new version of iTunes that includes new content deals for the online media store during Wednesday's September 9th media event. Mr. Reitzes made the comment in a research note obtained by The Mac Observer.

Mr. Reitzes didn't offer details on what new features a new iTunes might have, or what new content Apple could be adding to the service, but he did say, "We believe the new iTunes software and content will only extent Apple's lead as the premier online marketplace for music, video, games and applications."

Apple's media event coincides with the long-awaited, much anticipated, and highly publicized release of The Beatles' digitally remastered entire catalog. The timing has, therefore, lead to natural speculation that Apple and The Fab Four would announce that The Beatles were finally coming to iTunes.

Such speculation has been spiced with the factoid that the tagline for the event is, "It's only rock and roll, but we like it." That's a line from a Rolling Stones song, and not a Beatles' line, prompting some - including this reporter - to suggest that Apple Inc.'s September 9th event will have little or nothing to do with Apple Corps' September 9th event, save, perhaps, spite.

Sir Paul McCartney added a little more weight to this camp, when he told NME in a story published just today that it was EMI, the record label that owns many distribution rights to The Beatles' catalog, that was keeping their music away from iTunes and other download services.

So, what new content will Apple announce? Mum's the word, but TMO will be on hand for the event Wednesday offering live coverage, some photos, and maybe even some faint hope that Sir Paul or Ringo will sing us a song.