Apple Said to Be Exploring Solar and Motion Charging for iWatch

Apple is testing a variety of different charging methods for upcoming rumored "iWatch". According to a report from The New York Times. Apple's top list appears to induction charging, allowing users to recharge their watches wirelessly.

For its wristwatch, Apple has been testing a method to charge the battery wirelessly with magnetic induction, according to a person briefed on the product. A similar technology is already used in some Nokia smartphones — when a phone is placed on a charging plate, an electrical current creates a magnetic field, which creates voltage that powers the phone.

The report notes that Apple is also experimenting with charging the battery with solar, and movement, although those ideas may still be several years from becoming practical. The report also points out the newspaper's claim from last year that the iWatch will feature a curved glass display.

Apple has also experimented with new power-charging methods for a potential smartwatch, people close to the efforts said, though such experiments are years from becoming a reality. The watch is expected to have a curved glass screen, and one idea is to add a solar-charging layer to that screen, which would give power to the device in daylight, they said.

Another experiment at Apple has involved charging the battery through movement, a method that is already used in many modern watches. A person’s arm swinging could operate a tiny charging station that generates and pushes power to the device while walking, according to a patent filed by Apple in 2009.

The reports mention that with battery technology improving relatively slowly, Apple has focused on improving power efficiency of various components in its devices like the latest generation of the MacBook Air.

Apple has been working on flexible new battery designs and looking at new charging technologies for the iWatch. Battery life is one of the main issues Apple needs to address as it seeks to create a powerful iWatch that is capable of lasting several days, not hours.

Wireless charging would be perfect for the iWatch as charging is one of the most painful things about wearable devices currently.


Source: New York Times via MacRumors

Image source: martinhajek