Eyes on Apple for 'next big thing' on Sep 9

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Apple gadget lovers hungered for the "next big thing" on Thursday (Aug 28) after the iconic company fired off invites to a mystery unveiling on Sep 9.

Fuelling rampant speculation regarding what the company has in store was the fact that the event will be held in the same performing arts centre in Silicon Valley where late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs introduced the Macintosh computer in 1984.

Apple has remained tight-lipped about what is in store at the event, opting instead to let anticipation, speculation and excitement focus attention on the iPhone, iPad, iPod and Macintosh maker.

The famously secretive company offered scant clues in emailed invites that showed the Sep 9 date in large numbers over the words: "Wish we could say more."

Rumours about Apple's plans have been swirling for months, with many observers convinced a new-generation iPhone with a larger screen is on the horizon.

Gartner analyst Van Baker was certain that Apple will unveil an iPhone 6 with a screen increased to 4.7 inches, and that odds were strong for a 5.5-inch version of the smartphone. Apple typically updates its product cycle in the second half of the year, getting a lift from holiday sales.

Apple is fine-tuning a new operating system that will allow for mobile payments and includes a health platform, which could mesh nicely with an "iWatch" for tracking activity, sleep, pulse and more. The system, iOS8, is expected to be in the new iPhones.