Are you like me – do you lay awake at night wondering what the big news from Apple will be when they host their much-anticipated press conference next Tuesday (Sept. 9)?

While predicting the future is a risky endeavor, I think I’ve got a hunch:

The FCC cleared Sirius to buy XM in an all-stock deal 2 months ago.  Since then, the stock has continued to tank, and tank in a major way (down a full 50% to $1.26 since the deal was announced in June – and this is a stock that was trading for almost $60 back in late 1999).

Meanwhile, new car sales (which were supposed to be the primary driver of satellite radio growth) are also way down.

So:

• Sirius/XM needs to find a new way to grow – and fast.  And bear in mind, the primary value-add for receiving radio via satellite is (and always has been) uninterrupted reception coverage for mobile users.
• Apple wouldn’t mind it if another compelling reason turned up for users to upgrade that iPod.  again.

…I think Apple announces a satellite radio-enabled iPod on Tuesday.

(Full disclosure: I own shares in neither company)