Apple could embrace the sun on-the-go if it incorporates technology described in a recent patent filing in its iPod and iPhone products. The company’s patent filing describes a process for including solar cells as a power source in portable devices like the its popular media players, according to Forbes.
According to the patent filing, the solar cells would be housed underneath the handheld’s LCD touch screen to maximize the available charging surface space, which would protect the fragile cells, and has the added bonus of not impacting Apple’s distinct design style. Adding solar cells to future iPhone models could also address power consumption issues related to electricity hungry components like GPS or WiMAX chips.
Apple isn’t saying if or when it will add solar cells to its products.