Apple is said to be seeking new and innovative ways to lengthen battery life and charge its new products, including the rumoured iWatch
Apple engineers are said to be experimenting with new methods of extending battery life and improving charging methods, according to a report in the New York Times.
A former Apple executive told the newspaper the company has long tried to incorporate solar charging to iPhones and iPods, but that the technology could still be many years off.
An insider briefed on the project claimed Apple has been testing a magnetic induction technology to charge its wristwatch wirelessly, a method already used by some Nokia smartphones.
It works by placing the device on a charging plate, which creates a magnetic field triggered by an electrical current, which produces voltage to power the device.
Another technology its claimed Apple has been experimenting with is that of solar power; adding a solar-charging layer to the smartwatch’s curved screen to facilitate daylight charging.
Motion-powered charging could also become a reality, as Apple filed a patent for systems designed to charge a device through motion, such as walking or running whilst holding it, through a series of moveable magnets.
The concept of charging an iWatch or other piece of wearable tech through motion is an attractive one for developers, as consumers are likely to be unhappy over having to remove the device for plugging into a charger every few hours.