Technology is evolving at a rapid-fire pace, and it's crucial that companies' products offer the most advanced features if these brands want to remain competitive. Apple is one firm that is always at the forefront of innovation, and while the iWatch has yet to hit store shelves, the organization is already looking to unconventional methods that might be able to improve the product. One of the major challenges that tech companies face with wearable devices is the limitations of battery life. While gadgets have gone through significant changes in recent years, battery technology has been lagging somewhat. In fact, Fast Company pointed out that lithium-ion batteries function essentially the same way they did several decades ago. Now, though, Apple aims to extend the amount of time between charges by leveraging the power of
strong magnets.
Magnetic potential
According to The New York Times, Apple has been evaluating a
number of different methods for making the battery power last longer. These initiatives are crucial for making the iWatch, as well as other gadgets, such as fitness bands and smart glasses, more attractive and useful to consumers. Paste magazine reported that Apple has been
considering solar-powered batteries, but isn't putting all its efforts and funds into that option.
Magnetic induction has also been a major focus of the firm's experiments. The company already has a patent for "harnessing power through electromagnetic induction utilizing printed coils." This means the magnets inside the device produce the required voltage for charging the battery.
Overcoming size obstacles
The truth is,
magnets have been used in electronics for years. Fast Company reported that Nokia phones, for example,
contain magnetic plates to generate power. Apple has also been incorporating magnets into its lineup of other products for 2014. For example, the company has been working on a magnetic attachment system for its
iPads and even filed a patent application for a wearable ring magnet that would allow you to interact with the device merely by waving your hand over the screen.
However, the iWatch presents unique challenges. The news source explained because this device is much smaller than a MacBook or an iPhone, it's much more difficult to construct a long-lasting battery that doesn't demand constant charging. This is likely one of the primary reasons consumers have yet to see the production of the iWatch is moving along. If Apple can successfully harness the power of magnets as well as other power sources at once, the company may be able to eliminate the small battery issue.
Discover More With Apex Magnets
Want to stay up-to-date on the latest magnetic discoveries? Sign up for our newsletter to get these stories and more sent straight to your inbox each month. 
