Last-minute Apple rumors: New Nano pix, iPhone surprise?

New spy shots of a tall, skinny Nano surfaced on the Web over the weekend, and evidence mounts that the latest iPhone software update—one that could help fix reception problems and add push notification for App Store programs—will debut at tomorrow's "Let's Rock" event. Also: The iTunes subscription rumor refuses to die.

First up: MacNN.com has a blurry but convincing spy shot of what it claims is the fourth-generation iPod Nano, encased in Apple's telltale clear-plastic packaging.

The Nano in the fuzzy photo is, as predicted, tall and skinny, with an off-center dock connector (similar to the original Nano), and the shiny orange shell looks slightly curved. Bloggers are pointing out that the image may well have been Photoshopped, but the snapshot looks pretty solid to me. Overall, a new Nano appears to be tomorrow's surest bet.

Meanwhile, there's been a lot more chatter about iPhone software 2.1 making its debut tomorrow—or at least, that's the word from Ars Technica, which notes that Apple may have pulled certain "secret" features from 2.1 developer seeds.

Here's what we do know (or expect, at least) about update 2.1: As AppleInsider points out, it'll probably include push notification for third-party applications—a key feature that will allow programs such as IM clients will be able to launch alerts even when they're not running. Other features could include better GPS navigation, as well as more fixes for the iPhone 3G's nagging receptions problems.

OK, but what's the secret iPhone feature? Is there a secret iPhone feature? Let the wild speculation begin.

And as for those iTunes music subscription rumors—the ones that CNET supposedly laid to rest last week—well, they're still hanging around. Wired News is boldly predicting that an iTunes subscription service will indeed launch tomorrow, complete with iPhone/iPod Touch streaming, and potentially even iPods that come bundled with a year of subscription tunes. I really like the idea—indeed, it would make for a splash of headlines—but Steve Jobs has repeatedly bashed the subscription music concept, and the Apple grapevine appears deeply divided (if not downright pessimistic) about iTunes ever going the subscription way.

Anyway, that's the latest from the rumor mill—click here for my recent Apple rumor roundup, and don't forget to check back tomorrow at 10 a.m. Pacific for my coverage of the "Let's Rock" event.

So, what do you think? Excited for tomorrow's shindig? Preparing for disappointment?