Apple is reportedly developing its own battery technology and may introduce its designs into mobile devices by 2025. The company has previously shown interest in battery technology, with the hiring of Soonho Ahn, Samsung’s former senior vice president of next-generation batteries and materials innovation. Ahn’s departure to become the CTO of Volkswagen’s battery division indicates that Apple is not alone in its efforts to advance battery technologies. The development of more advanced and cost-effective batteries is crucial as the number of battery-dependent devices continues to grow exponentially. Apple has the resources and commitment to carbon-neutral production, making it well-positioned to bring new battery technologies to market.
What’s the speculation?
According to industry sources, Apple is working on a battery design that has not been commercialized before. The company is reportedly exploring innovative new designs and conductive materials to improve battery performance, aiming to develop batteries that charge faster and last longer.
There is evidence to support these speculations. Apple’s recent patent filings revealed its collaboration with US government researchers on Synergistic Additives for High Volume Lithium Ion Batteries, which referred to the use of new materials to extend battery life and accelerate charging cycles. The industry has seen a growing interest in new substrates and conductive materials to enhance battery performance. MIT research has shown that it is possible to accelerate lithium charging speed by altering the battery substrate, leading to a race among various companies to develop such technologies.
But what about the environment?
Considering that only 5% of the world’s lithium batteries are currently recycled, Apple’s commitment to sustainability is evident. The company has partnered with Glencore, a long-time Apple materials supplier, to develop a lithium-ion battery recycling center in the UK. Glencore is already the leading lithium-ion battery recycler in North America and is dedicated to building battery recycling centers in Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Apple has set goals to use only recycled cobalt in its batteries by 2025, and a quarter of its current cobalt usage already comes from recycled materials. These initiatives align with Apple’s objective of becoming 100% carbon neutral by 2030.
Why does this matter?
As demand for essential battery materials continues to rise, recycling initiatives become crucial to meeting future demand while minimizing environmental impact. Extending the usable life of batteries is essential for reducing waste and optimizing resource utilization. By developing longer-lasting batteries that charge faster and leverage recycled materials, Apple aims to provide customers with better products while meeting its corporate social responsibility targets.
One more thing
Apple already has valuable insights into energy cells through its vast ecosystem of battery-powered devices. The Battery Health software built into iPhones provides information on charge levels, battery performance, and users’ charging habits. These insights can potentially inform AI-supported on-device energy management. If Apple produces its own batteries, the integration of on-board intelligent energy management becomes even more powerful, allowing seamless communication between the device and the battery.
In summary, it is reasonable to expect that Apple’s future devices will feature batteries that have longer lifespans, faster charging capabilities, and incorporate recycled materials. This advancement will benefit not only iPhone users but also have significant implications for the anticipated Apple Car, set to debut after 2030.
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Unique perspective: Innovations in battery technology are crucial for advancing mobile devices and addressing environmental concerns. Apple’s dedication to developing its own battery designs and using recycled materials demonstrates its commitment to sustainable practices. By creating longer-lasting batteries that charge faster, Apple can enhance user experience while minimizing waste. This development holds significant implications not only for iPhones but also for the future Apple Car, showcasing Apple’s potential to revolutionize the automotive industry.
