Apple might introduce iPad mini, iPod Touch, iPod Shuffle, iPod nano at September 12 event

When it comes to Apple, press invites usually hide a message hidden in plain sight.

When it comes to Apple, press invites usually hide a message hidden in plain sight. We've seen invites in which the date, time and venue were embedded. For the iPad with Retina display, Apple's invite showed sharper icons on the iPad screen, hinting about the higher resolution. 

With the latest invite, the most prominent aspect is the digits 12 - indicating the date of the event. But these digits cast a shadow of the number 5 with the tag line "It's almost here". The easiest inference is that the invite points towards the launch if the Apple iPhone 5. 

However, it could also point to a refresh of several Apple products. The number of devices that is expected to get a refresh is also incidentally five. Five devices seem feasible because if Apple does show a new smaller connector port as rumored, it would like to have its entire device lineup using that port. Here's a lowdown on what we think might get launched. 

iPhone 5

The new iPhone has been rumored to have a larger 4-inch display, more durable metal body along with a new connector. Plus, it will come preloaded with the latest iOS6 that has various software enhancements including an updated version of Siri. 

iPod Touch 5th generation

The iPod Touch did not see a refresh last year and its features are usually kept at par with the iPhone. So we can expect it to have a larger screen, new port, Siri support as well as a better camera. We can also speculate that a 3G version of the iPod Touch will be announced. 

iPad Mini

Apple needs a device to compete with smaller tablets, especially considering that cheaper Android tablets are gaining traction and Kindle has launched a cheap (but high quality) 8.9-inch Kindle Fire. The iPad mini is expected to have a 7 or 8-inch retina display, dual cameras, new connector port and Siri support. Apple is expected to price it around US$ 200 that can eventually destroy the Android tablet market. 

iPod Nano

Along the same lines as the iPod touch, the Nano is also expected to get a refresh this year. There are rumors of the new iPod Nano getting a new design, larger display, more body colors and support for Wi-Fi + Airplay. 

iPod Shuffle

No major change is expected in Apple's compact music player except the new port. There are talks of the player being launched in additional colors. However, Apple might introduce a shuffle with more inbuilt storage and maybe even add a small display for ease of use.