The infamous black iPod looks set to make a second appearance next month, when Apple ships a special edition digital music device to commemorate the arrival of rock band U2's newest long-player.

So claim a variety of web sites, including Forbes.com. Apple itself isn't commenting on the specifics of the rumour, but it has already sent out invites to a music-oriented event taking place on 26 October. U2's new record, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, isn't due for release until a month after that, but lead singer Bono (vox) and axe man The Edge will join Steve Jobs on stage.

U2's fondness for Apple was seen most recently in the band's latest video, which pastiches Apple's iPod ads. Or is it an iPod ad that pastiches U2 - we're not sure. Either way, they both do nicely out of it, promoting player and single.

According to reports, the black iPod will come with How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb pre-installed, along with selections from the band's back catalogue.

The black iPod - once the source of much speculation - surfaced briefly this past summer when car company Jaguar ran a competition offering one of the devices as a prize. The contest was a promotional exercise for the Ford subsidiary's X-type.

Apple may also use the 26 October event to unveil the rumoured 'PhotoPod' iPod with a colour screen, and photo synchronisation and display capability. ®

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