Is Apple inviting us to a launch?

Apple Inc. sent out invitations Monday to a Sept. 5 event called “The Beat Goes On,” fueling speculation that it will release new models of the iPod media player to spur holiday sales.

The e-mailed invitation for the San Francisco event shows a silhouetted dancer carrying an iPod, an image from Apple ads.

Chief Executive Steve Jobs usually unveils new iPods before the holiday season. In June, Apple introduced the iPhone, combining the music player with a mobile phone. A new video iPod may incorporate the iPhone’s touch screen, analysts say.

Sales of the iPod and music sold through Apple’s iTunes store accounted for 40% of revenue last quarter.

Apple, based in Cupertino, Calif., also sells the pencil-thin Nano and the clip-on Shuffle versions of the iPod as well as the Macintosh computer.