According to reports work has begun on a fifth generation iPod that could feature an aluminium shell and an 80Gb hard drive.

Despite the fact there was no announcement on the new iPod product at the recent 2005 Macworld Expo, US website ThinkSecret claims it has information that the the next iPod could boast a silver-looking aluminium case to match the style of Apple’s PowerBook and PowerMac range.

The website also claims the new iPod would store up to 20,000 tracks, using Toshiba’s latest 1.8-inch 80Gb hard drive.

The news will no doubt spur iPod accessory manufacturers to bring out a raft of aluminium accessories for the hugely popular mp3 player.