Skip to main content

Fuel cells could give future Apple devices weeks of battery life

While sand could be used to increase battery performance threefold, Apple is reportedly working on environment-friendly fuel cell batteries that could potentially allow your iOS device to run for days, even weeks.

Cited by “senior sources in the U.S.” and reported by Daily Mail, Apple is reportedly working with British fuel cell firm Intelligent Energy to try and bring its long-lasting battery project to the Cupertino-based company’s iPads and MacBooks. The report did not mention the iPhone, though it’s likely that Apple will embed the technology into its smartphones once fuel cells are miniaturized enough.

Intelligent EnergyIn December of last year, Intelligent Energy purchased patents that pertain to the practical application of fuel cell, from battery firm Eveready. Intelligent Energy revealed that it purchased the patents in tandem with a major “international electronics company,” with a source familiar with the partnership saying the company in question is Apple.

Intelligent Energy already has close ties to Apple, as represented by its recruiting of former Apple product specialist Joe O’Sullivan to its board as chief operating officer. In addition, the British fuel cell firm opened an office in San Jose, California, a short distance away from Apple’s headquarters. Neither company has yet to confirm or deny the partnership, though the fuel cell technology won’t be seen in Apple products for another few years.

Editors' Recommendations

Williams Pelegrin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Williams is an avid New York Yankees fan, speaks Spanish, resides in Colorado, and has an affinity for Frosted Flakes. Send…
I’m worried about the future of the Apple Watch Ultra
Someone wearing an Apple Watch Ultra 2, showing the Modular Ultra watch face.

The Apple Watch Ultra has been one of the biggest additions to the Apple Watch lineup in recent years since it launched in 2022. It’s also one of the absolute best smartwatches too, with a large and super bright OLED display, incredible battery life, and the Action button.

While the first Apple Watch Ultra was a huge deal, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 felt more like an iterative upgrade than the first. But it looks like we’re in for a significant upgrade in 2026 — for better or worse.
Going from OLED to micro-LED
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (left) next to the Apple Watch Ultra Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Read more
The Apple Watch could get two amazing health features next year
Exercise data showing on the Apple Watch Series 9.

Long-standing rumors point to the 2024 Apple Watch being truly special in a few ways. A new design is one of the hot rumors, but it seems Apple wants to make another health-centric leap by allowing the smartwatch to read blood pressure and also look for signs of sleep apnea.

According to Bloomberg, the next Apple Watch will come equipped with a new sensor that will measure variations in blood pressure. A successor slated for arrival in 2025 could measure the exact systolic and diastolic blood pressure values.

Read more
Apple’s new in-store device aimed at improving iPhone setup process
iPhone 15 Pro Max lying on the ground surrounded by leaves.

Apple has tackled a minor annoyance that can sometimes impact iPhone customers.

You might know it. It’s when you take your new iPhone from the box, set it up, and discover that the iOS software already requires an important update.

Read more