Solar powered iPods could be the way of the future, if new rumours are to be believed.
According to the MacRumours website, Apple has patented a system which would see a solar panel installed behind the device’s LCD screen.
This means that iPods could be powered by the sun without having to increase the size of the mp3 players to incorporate a separate panel, reports PC Pro.
Apple is also rumoured to be developing similar technology for MacBooks.
However, PC Pro casts doubt on claims that the solar panel will allow the products to run without any mains charge at all.
In an experiment, it found that a 104 x 53 centimetre solar panel can only power a MacBook for around two hours, even if it was left to charge for an entire day.
Last week, thestar.com, praised the InMotion IM600 iPod dock for its built-in battery, which allows playback of 7.5 hours without the device being plugged in.
