Apple patents curved battery, hints at sexier phones to come

Sexier mobile devices may soon be coming from Apple Inc., if its patent applications for a curved battery are any indication.

 

Enthusiast site AppleInsider said the applications were filed as early as October 2011, but were made public only last May 2.

 

"(The) techniques aim to shape a battery that fits snugly into a device's housing, thereby reducing wasted internal space. While merely speculation, the battery designs could be used in an upcoming version of the iPhone or iPad, both of which are becoming increasingly slim as consumers demand thin, lightweight portables," it said.

 

It added the curved battery could fit in with a design for an iPhone with a wrap-around display.

 

"While it is unlikely that such a device will make it to market in the near future, if ever, the recent patent filings show Apple is continuously looking for innovative ways to save space in its iOS device lineup," it said.

 

The patent applications describe ways where a battery can be made and incorporated into "slim, new device chassis."

 

Apple's design involves sealing the battery cell in a flexible pouch, and forming a curve in the battery cell with a pressure of 0.13 kg-force per square millimeter.

 

"Both techniques aim to shape a battery that fits snugly into a device's housing, thereby reducing wasted internal space. While merely speculation, the battery designs could be used in an upcoming version of the iPhone or iPad, both of which are becoming increasingly slim as consumers demand thin, lightweight portables," AppleInsider said. — TJD, GMA News