Apple Patents Solar-powered iPhone
Apple has patented a new solar-powered iPhone, a feature that techies have been talking about since the first time their phones didn’t hold a charge while Googling on the go.
But don’t expect the iPhone’s newest feature to be like the other bulky portable panels you’ve seen on cell phones in the past.
According to Patently Apple, the iPhone will still, well, look like an iPhone. This is because the cell panels will be housed beneath the multi-touch surface as opposed to the surface.
In true Apple form, this company won’t be subbing sleek design for function. The technology could also work on the back of the iPhone as well.
“By switching the iPhone’s backside substrate to a non-metal surface would clearly open the door for Apple to implement a double-sided solar panel design,” reports Patently Apple. “This would double the amount of power that the cells would be able to draw in order for them to power the media player longer.”
There are no reports of the official launch date of the new technology. However, it’s unlikely that the technology will be ready for the upcoming version, which debuts next week.
Photo: Patently Apple
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As of June 17th 2011 we have upgraded our comment system to use Facebook comments. The below comments are closed and are listed for historical purposes.
Carl
posted on June 3rd, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Interesting idea, but not the best. Do you really want to leave your iPhone out in the sun? It would get very hot. It would also be hard to read. The back of it would be covered by your hand, and your hand would be all over front, using the touch screen, so there’s not too much usable surface area.
Parimore
posted on June 3rd, 2010 at 4:08 pm
That sounds ingenious! (Although Carl is right – the screen would be kind of hard to read, and it’s probably become a pocket-sized oven with calling abilities.)
If you’re reading this, Apple, can you PLEASE put solar panels on the iPod Touch? I’d be SO grateful!
Mark Johnston
posted on June 4th, 2010 at 10:02 am
Anything to help extend the battery life would be nice. I think it’s official that Solar energy is about to have it’s moment in the sun. If you would like to investigate Solar for your home including local Solar Installers and Solar Cost go to solarcostcalculator.com .
Fern Ecotel Hotel
posted on June 10th, 2010 at 12:24 am
This is indeed brilliant. There have been companies that have already accomplished this feat but with a big brand like Apple, the green message will spread far and wide. This will really make matters simpler for people on the go and environmentally, there are benefits of the sort that firstly, the company wont need plastics and metals for their phone chargers. More importantly, this will pave the way for more companies taking up similar initiative and open the market to a host of eco-friendly products! For now solar panels have only made their way into green buildings, like our Eco -friendly Fern Ecotel Hotel and small townships that are now moving on to solar energy for their needs!