According to sources close to the situation, Apple is planning an important — but not large-scale — event to be held in New York at the end of this month that will focus on a media-related announcement.
Per the usual caveat, the tech giant is well known for moving around their public show-and-tells, so this could certainly change at any moment.
The report also notes that the event is unlikely to discuss big product releases such as the iPad 3 and Apple TV. Instead, due partly to its New York location (rather than Cupertino or San Francisco), it is suspected that the event may be related to either advertising or publishing:
…Several sources underscored that the event is not related to an upcoming version of the iPad 3 […] Also unlikely? The rollout of Apple’s large-scale rethinking of its interactive television initiative currently in the works. While the company is expected to launch a new Apple TV product later in 2012, such an event would also certainly be held in the heart of the industry in Hollywood or at least in Silicon Valley. That leaves some kind of advertising or even publishing announcement…
Apple’s SVP of Internet Services and Software, Eddy Cue, will reportedly be involved in the event, which is said to be directly related to media. Interestingly, Apple has an iAd office in New York, and considering that Cue is currently directing that portion of Apple’s business, it’s likely that iAd will be discussed.
The Loop’s Jim Dalrymple, a well-sourced journalist with an excellent track record when it comes to Apple’s dealings, stated his confirmation and agreement with a simple “yep.”
Update: The most recent information suggests that the event will be focused on education and digital textbooks.