They likely announced this to set expectations. They don’t want headlines like “Apple Fails to Deliver Next iPhone on Time”.
They want to make sure that everyone knows that this event will be about software and nothing else.
They want to make sure that everyone knows that this event will be about software and nothing else.
I would not go to the extent of blatantly calling out an iPhone 4S to be announced but the following should add up to something:
1) Apple recommending journalists to personally come for the event 2) Already announcing what was widely believed by many to be the highlight of the show. Point to note is Apple had never before this announced the name. So to do it in a non grandeur way via a PR article is so not Apple.
Something is cooking. Can't really smell what it is though.
Wether they do it to set expectations or not, this is the first time they give a list of what they will announce.
EDIT: spelling.
Their invitations have become less cryptic and outright explicit (http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/02/apple-hints-at-ipa...), probably precisely because disappointment about a lack of flashy announcements was fast becoming a big deal after Apple events.
There will always be stupid speculation – also before next Monday – and there will always be people complaining – also after next Monday – Apple just doesn’t want that to turn into the main thing.
That press release is in context not much more explicit than above invitation to the iPad event. It’s just a different tool.