By Jeff Spross | Climate Progress
If a new patent is any indication, Apple customers could soon be able to plug their iPhones directly into a solar panel for power.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published the patent by Apple today. And while the company has seven previous solar-related patents to its name, this is the first one that would allow Apple users to plug their MacBooks, iPhones, iPads, and other devices directly into a solar panel without a bulky converter.
The patent describes a system that can accept “both power adapter and solar power direct from gathering devices” or traditional chargers, according to TechCrunch. Converting the solar panel’s power into a voltage, current, and so forth that’s compatible with the electronics would all happen within the device. “So in other words, you could plug in your MagSafe or iPad/iPod adapter, or alternatively hook a MacBook or other piece of hardware directly to a solar panel with a simple cord.
