Apple updates solar patent to include multitouch, flexible displays

So Apple just updated its solar repertoire of patents. AppleInsider reports that this new patent could pave the way for future solar-powered mobile devices. This new technology provides a method for embedding a solar array within a layer that includes touch sensors–within a flexible display module. This will help apple save space in its ever-shrinking electronic devices. One version of the tech described in the patent would actually have the solar cells facing away from the touch sensor component (and/or display). This would work by routing light to the sensor through other means, including holes and ports that permit light […]

So Apple just updated its solar repertoire of patents. AppleInsider reports that this new patent could pave the way for future solar-powered mobile devices.

This new technology provides a method for embedding a solar array within a layer that includes touch sensors–within a flexible display module. This will help apple save space in its ever-shrinking electronic devices.

One version of the tech described in the patent would actually have the solar cells facing away from the touch sensor component (and/or display).

This would work by routing light to the sensor through other means, including holes and ports that permit light to enter, and even fiber optic materials to reroute it from the front of the device within.

This is a key tech if Apple were ever genuinely interested in building a solar-powered iPhone or iPad.

Given the output of solar-powered devices currently, and the immense power-requirements of mobile devices that feature high-quality displays, it seems very unlikely the company will introduce a fully solar-powered iOS gadget anytime soon.

But this could also act as a supplemental tech that helps extend battery life rather than replace charging altogether.