iPhone Surprise Could Be In Store At Macworld

With the relatively recent updates of the iPhone, iPod, and Macbook lines, Apple could potentially show off refreshes of the Apple TV, iMac, Mac Mini, and the Snow Leopard operating system. These updates will probably be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, Munster said.

Wedbush Morgan analyst Craig Berger agrees that Macworld may be devoid of a major iPhone announcement, but he also expects a smaller iPhone later in the year.

"We have incremental checks into the Apple supply chain. First, we see several new Apple products coming to 1H09," Berger wrote in a note to clients. "Our contacts see a lower-cost version of the iPhone, possibly in mid-2Q. Apparently, Qualcomm is replacing Infineon as the baseband supplier in this device. Some call this device the 'iPhone Nano,' whatever one calls it, we believe this device is on its way."

The App Store should also play a prominent role at Macworld, but official announcements or improvements from Apple will probably be held until the Worldwide Developer's Conference in the summer. But with more than 300 million apps downloaded in less than 6 months, companies will surely be showing off their latest mobile programs for consumers and enterprises.

Fans of the iPhone 3G and iPods will also be able to see a slate of new accessories at Macworld, including cases, speakers, earbuds, docking cradles, and other items.