Apple iPhone 7 might NEVER need to be recharged, new solar patent suggests

Apple could be planning to embed solar cells beneath its touchscreens, according to a new patent.

The firm was recently granted a US patent for solar panel technology hidden beneath touch-sensitive surfaces, like those used in a Macbook trackpad, iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch display.

According to the patent filing, the hidden solar panel would recharge the device throughout the day.

Unfortunately, the Apple patent is very vague about the technology – which could provide a welcome battery boost to the firm's slew of power-hungry devices.

Solar cells could also be used in Apple's range of desktop peripherals, including the battery-reliant wireless Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad and keyboard, the patent reveals.

The technique is nothing new. After all, watchmakers have been using solar panels in watch faces to extend battery life for decades.

Apple – which launched its contactless Apple Pay payment system in the UK this week – explains in the US patent: "The wireless device has a touch sensor and a solar cell that converts ambient light into electrical power.