Apple Store Offline Ahead of iPhone Media Event

Apple's online store was replaced with the familiar "We'll be back" message Tuesday morning ahead of the company's "This should brighten everyone's day" media event. The company is expected to introduce new iPhone models, including a mid-range model called the iPhone 5C.

 

Want to buy new Apple gear? Wait until after today's media event.Want to buy new Apple gear? Wait until after today's media event.

A long string of leaks and rumors point to the iPhone 5S as the replacement for the current iPhone 5, and the iPhone 5C as the replacement for the lower priced iPhone 4 and 4S. Both are expected to use the 4-inch Retina Display that's currently on the iPhone 5 and iPod touch.

The iPhone 5S is expected to be available in black, white, or a champagne gold color, and the iPhone 5C is will sport a scratch-resistant plastic back available in several colors.

Along with new iPhones, Apple will most likely announce when iOS 7 will ship, tell us when its iTunes Radio streaming music service will officially launch, and may give us an Apple TV software update, too. What isn't expected at this morning's event are new Mac models, the launch of OS X 10.9 Mavericks, or new iPads.

Apple's media event is set to start at 10AM pacific time (1PM eastern). Be sure to check in with The Mac Observer for our coverage of today's announcements.