Apple has a wild new plan to cover trackpads with solar cells
A new patent application from the Cupertino company, which we first saw on 9to5Mac, is for "Wireless Devices With Touch Sensors and Solar Cells."
The patent points out that the rise of wireless technology for computer input devices allows them to "be freely moved around by a user without worrying about cable length restrictions, cable tangles, and other inconveniences."
However, this comes with a downside - the need for batteries. "Rechargeable batteries use battery charging equipment that may be misplaced or may otherwise be inaccessible," and disposable batteries are a chore to constantly purchase and replace.
Here's Apple's solution to this problem, laid out in the patent's abstract (emphasis ours):
In plain English? That's a touch input device - AKA a trackpad or magic mouse - which doubles up as a solar cell.
It's important to note that not every patent Apple files makes its way into a finished product. Many are filed as a precautionary measure, or to preemptively head off competitors. But Apple is increasingly committed to renewable technologies, committing to the goal of "running all our facilities on 100 per cent clean and renewable energy."
A product that would both obviously improve the user experience, but also help Apple further green causes, would be a double win for the company.