New iPod nano could charge and sync through its clip

It’s no secret that Apple doesn’t like unnecessary openings in its products. They break up the otherwise clean lines and trap dust, so they’re often in the crosshairs when the company redesigns a product. Based on a newly-surfaced patent application, Apple might now be looking at ways to further streamline the iPod nano.

Currently, the bottom of the nano is broken up by the headphone jack and dock connector. The latter leaves a (proportionally) vast expanse of the nano wide open, interrupting the flow of the smooth, aluminum casing. Bluetooth headphones aren’t quite ready to replace corded ones just yet, so that port’s not going anywhere. The dock connector, however, could be done away with by the introduction of a more advanced clip.

Instead of merely attaching the iPod nano to your sleeve or pocket, the redesigned clip shown above would also feature contacts that allow the device to charge and sync. Your existing dock cable (or tabletop dock) is still required, as an adapter would snap on to allow the nano to recharge and keep your iTunes library up-to-date. As it’s shown, the adapter looks as though it would also allow the new iPod nano to work with just about any third-party device that currently features an Apple dock connector

Just days ago, rumors began swirling that Apple may be preparing to refresh the diminutive iPod nano. Curiously, there’s talk that Apple might be scaling it back up to its fourth and fifth generation size. If that’s the case, many expect it to look like a smaller, slimmer version of the iPod touch. If that’s where the nano is headed, then this clip may never make it onto an actual Apple product.