There are rumors floating around the web that Apple may announce a major launch – possibly on Thursday – in connection with the 10th anniversary of its stores.

One speculative report has Apple bringing “NFC wireless tech to its stores,” according to Fast Company.

“One thing's for sure, Apple's Stores are such ridiculously successful business models – from their design philosophy to their sales systems – that they're already inspiring copycats, and if Apple did choose to push NFC tech in its brick and mortar stores it could set a precedent that other stores, driven by tech innovations from other vendors like Visa, would simply have to follow. Quite quickly this could change how we pay for things, everywhere – because Apple is one of the biggest companies ever, with one of the most powerful brands in the world, and all the tech needed to change how consumers do things,” Fast Company adds.

Reports point out that the Apple stores have been having employees show up for a recent overnight shift. Windows were covered. The reason remains a secret.

If the new move relates to NFC technology and Apple’s iPhone, Appolicious reports that “custom iPhones that the Apple Store uses to check people out were really unique and inventive. If you use them every day they’re probably a lot more boring, so this rumor might be the most fun for Apple Store employees.”

Another possibility is a “standalone NFC-enabled device,” Appolicious adds. “Apple has already segmented the portable market once, between the iPhone and iPad. Is a third device really a smart business move? What could it possibly accomplish, other than its inclusion of NFC technology, that couldn’t also be done by either the iPhone or iPad?”

At any rate, Apple often likes to keep company watchers guessing.

It was reported that Apple is planning on building its largest-ever retail store in New York’s Grand Central Terminal, a source told Cult of Mac earlier this year.

The retail outlet, to be known as Apple Store, Grand Central, is expected to open in the fall, possibly as soon as September, TechZone360 said.

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