Apple Schedules 'Back to the Mac' Media Event on Oct. 20th

Apple today announced that they will hold a media event next Wednesday the 20th. Dubbed “Back to the Mac,” invitations to the event feature a 3D Apple logo with the image of a lion hidden behind it. Reports from Engadget and MacRumors indicate that the event will occur at 10:00 AM PST on Apple’s campus in Cupertino.

The teaser image featured on the invitation has kick-started the rumor mills, bringing about significant speculation that the next major iteration of Mac OS X will be unveiled at the event. The inclusion of the lion potentially hints at the moniker OS 10.7 might take on, all but confirming Apple will continue their “big cat” theme.

This announcement marks the first Mac specific media event in months. With the release of the iPad and iPhone 4 earlier in the year, and the next generation of iPods last month, Apple’s focus has been on their mobile platforms. With Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard just over a year old, now seems an appropriate time for the 10.7 to be debuted. Enthusiasts have also speculated that the event may see the introduction of new hardware and additional software to supplement a potential OS announcement. With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, a move such as this would seem logical. Whatever Steve and Co. have up their sleeves will be announced around this time next week. Stay tuned to Barkings and @hellosmalldog for updates.