Apple Adding Blu-Ray To iTunes 9, iMacs?

Apple are planning to add Blu-ray support in iTunes 9, the next major upgrade to the company's media software, according to the latest tipsters.  The update is expected to coincide with Apple adding Blu-ray drives to its desktop iMac range, a move which has again been highlighted by Apple Insider.

While their report – and indeed their tip – does not refer to Blu-ray directly, it nonetheless suggests that A/V enthusiasts will be satisfied by the development.  Considering that Macs have long been the machines of choice for many A/V pros, it doesn't seem too far-fetched to assume that they're referring to Blu-ray.

"A couple of new features rumored to be in the cards for Apple's forthcoming iMac refresh will up the value proposition for prospective buyers in the market for an all-in-one desktop system ... One of those features is said to have long been on the wish-lists of many Mac users while the other is expected to cater to the semi-professional audio/video crowd" Apple Insider

Other new additions to iTunes 9 are expected to be visual organization and arrangement of iPhone and iPod touch applications, together with some sort of Twitter/Facebook/Last.fm integration.  No word on when we can expect to see the new application released, though a September announcement – along with the new iPod range – is predicted.