MacRumors.com

Appleinsider is reporting that Apple will be holding a "special briefing" in Manhattan, NY for analysts and members of the media.

The event is reportedly scheduled for Thursday, May 18th at 10am Eastern.

In the invites to the event, Apple welcomed analysts and members of the media to preview the new flagship retail location ahead of its Friday evening grand opening, but did not hint at any product introductions.

May 19th is the launch day for the new 5th Avenue (New York) flagship Apple store. There has been some speculation that this event will mark the release of the new MacBook and iPod, but no confirmation on that is yet available. It is also felt possible that the MacBook could be quietly released this Tuesday prior to the event.

Rumors of the upcoming Intel MacBook peaked last week, but readers were left disappointed when the release was reportedly delayed.