Apple is taking more steps to be greener. The patent application, found by Engadget, specifies “solar power for portable devices.” This could also mean MacBooks but we’re betting that Apple will be focusing on iPod and iPhone-friendly solar cells to cut down on power coming from batteries. Reducing complaints on iPod battery replacements is a big enough motivation for Apple to develop a backup power source. Apple’s application is quite groundbreaking. Their solar panels could double as displays - “Solar cells are typically stacked with other layers made of transparent or semi-transparent materials… Some of these layers may be used for display or input purposes, and some layers may be coated with various materials or they may be etched with product logos or other patterns.” - which not only saves space on a small device will also improve their aesthetic makeup.

[via engadget]