Solar-powered AirPods are far from science fiction. The first gadget from Apple with such a chip may appear in partnership with the Swedish Exeger by 2024. But it is not yet clear whether users will want to switch to new standards.
Solar headphones. Recently, wireless headphones with built-in solar panels have appeared on sale. We are talking about headphones from Urbanista (model Los Angeles) and sports company Adidas (model RPT-02 SOL).
The solar panels are hidden in a headband on the wearer's head - and have direct access to sunlight, maximizing energy production.
At the same time, both Urbanista and Adidas use flexible panels in their models from the same company - the Swedish Exeger.
Their development is called Powerfoyle. The solar panels are only 1.3 mm thick. The technology is based on titanium dioxide strips coated with a natural dye. The dye absorbs photons of light, which are then converted into electrons.
According to Exeger CEO Giovanni Fili, Powerfoyle panels on headphones in 20 minutes under the summer sun will be able to get enough energy to play music for an hour.
At the same time, manufacturers of "solar" headphones are not yet ready to take drastic measures - their accessories still have a built-in battery - and a charger. That is, the headphones can still be charged from electricity, for example, in the evening or at night.
Such development is another attempt to create a device that could function for a long time and regardless of the outlet. Scientists have developed technology that makes solar charging smaller and less prone to damage, but efficiency suffers.
In fact, due to the compact charging device, the creation of the so-called charging cover, the energy production efficiency is reduced.
Until the "solar" headphones in their current configuration lead to a change in user experience, that is, the owners of such accessories will charge them in the usual way.
"Solar" AirPods. Given current hydrocarbon prices and the explosive interest in other ways to generate energy, the topic of alternative charging of gadgets is “becoming just fiery” for technology companies. Apple, with its ingenious marketing, has long been interested in technology like Exeger.
Extremely successful implementation are Exeger technologies on the current "solar" headphones. “Headband integration looks really cool, and it's not just about battery life. The main advantage of the technology is that it will be extremely positively received by fans of the brand.
Exeger gives the owner of the device the feeling that he has done something to improve the ecology of the planet. I think this is the perfect fit for Apple's target audience.
Apple may peep this development and take it into service with its wireless AirPods, namely the AirPods Max, which have a headband. But the announcement and release of such an accessory is possible no earlier than 2024. Given the development cycle time and the absence of any insider leaks, this AirPods Max version should definitely not be expected earlier than in a couple of years.
Currently, Apple and other companies will be actively watching to see how Urbanista and Adidas headphones equipped with Exeger panels perform in real, not laboratory conditions.
At this stage, the appearance of the first devices with built-in solar panels is a typical marketing. This technology is only suitable for full-size headphones, which have an available area to accommodate the charging layer.
This significantly reduces the popularity of the technology and its payback, investment potential. Now the trend is miniaturization of solutions, which means that the potential of solar charging will not be in demand. The energy of the sun was and remains an option, a marketing ploy that does not determine the style of using the gadget. The approach is interesting, but implemented as if the creators themselves were afraid to go with solar technology to the end.
Apple and Exeger. Apple has long patented technology for wireless charging of gadgets using built-in solar panels. With smartwatches, Cupertino solved this issue back in 2008, and with charging for a tablet, the technology received a patent in 2011.
In addition, the company itself is known for its commitment to lean technologies, as well as the desire to reduce harmful emissions and minimize environmental pollution. At least that's how it positions itself.
For a long time, all Apple data centers and offices around the world are powered by solar panels, and the company has consistently abandoned the use of harmful substances in production: mercury, lead and arsenic in display glass, bromine and beryllium in spare parts and components. Apple, with all its love for the environment, is unlikely to be interested in taking over Exeger.
The capitalization of Exeger a year ago was $860 million. It is possible that now they have already become a “unicorn” and are worth more than a billion. For Apple, this is quite a lifting amount, but there is no reason to buy such a non-core company. This is also due to the fact that for now, solar panels can only be put on AirPods Max, and this is a niche product for Apple.
Some kind of collaboration or partnership is more real, as was the case with Beats or with manufacturers of accessories for Apple. In such things, Apple management is very good.
Such gadgets will not be sold in all markets due to weather conditions. Such headphones will not be in great demand in many regions where there is not much sun.
On the other hand, why would I need to be in the scorching sun for several hours to charge some device when I can charge it from an outlet in an air-conditioned room?
To be frank, solar energy in the current implementation is not yet of significant interest for investment. Now efforts are directed to invent more capacious and miniature batteries with a longer life. As a result, while companies are making progress not in "solar" and other alternative energy sources, but in traditional ones.
Investors expect a reverse approach in technology - not replenishing energy on the go, but more capacious charging and its economical use. The shortcomings of "solar" gadgets in their current version are the main brake on the development of such technologies.
Selling such devices to countries in Asia, Africa or Latin America will also raise questions from consumers, he is sure.
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