UPDATE3: Store open, Apple releases four new iPod shuffle flavors.

UPDATE2: Flickr picture shows what could be "Beatles edition iPod Shuffles".

UPDATE (12:30 - GMT): US Apple online store now closed as well.

Apple has temporarily closed its European online stores a few minutes ago.

As usual when Apple plans product releases within the next few hours, a "We'll be back soon" sticker is showing up when visitors try to load the Store section.

As mentioned on our recent story, reports that Apple will announce new products on Tuesday started fueling over the web earlier this week.

MacScoop will keep you updated as new information arrives.