Pocket-lint report: Apple has secretly started including a case with its iPod nano MP3 player following complaints from customers that the screen scratches too easily.

Although images on the web have started appearing showing the new case bundled in the box Apple has yet to confirm the move.

The new sleeve is virtually identical to the slim-line case current shipped with the new iPod capable of playing video.

The problem with the scratching screen is thought to be from users slipping the thin player in jean pockets with keys and coins in them – something that wasn’t really possible with the original iPod.