Apple patent app for solar cell on iPhone and iPod hints at future

Patent apps from Apple are often very interesting and point to the features we might expect to find on future devices from the company. The latest Apple patent application to surface has to do with integrating solar panels onto different Apple devices like the iPod or iPhone.

The patent application from Apple popped up earlier this month and had to do with embedding solar panels behind the screen on devices. This is a cool method of using solar panels since you wouldn't see them at all.

At the same time, Apple could use solar panels on the surface of the machine to add more solar panel area, which would equate to more power production. I don't see Apple putting solar panels on the surface of their products when the form is as important and iconic many times as the technology.