Intelligent Energy has unveiled a working iPhone 6 prototype that runs off a built-in hydrogen fuel cell.
The prototype uses a rechargeable battery and patented technology which creates electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen.
Intelligent Energy managed to incorporate the fuel system into the current iPhone 6 without needing to alter the size or shape of the device. The only cosmetic differences are rear vents that allow an imperceptible amount of water vapor to escape.
On the prototype iPhone, hydrogen gas is refueled via a modified headphone socket. Intelligent Energy is developing a disposable cartridge that would slot into the bottom of future smartphones and provide enough hydrogen-release powder for a week of smartphone use without recharging.
Interestingly, the company is said to be working closely with Apple. CEO Henri Winand refused to comment on rumors of Apple's involvement but told The Telegraph, "To our knowledge this has never been done before. We have now managed to make a fuel cell so thin we can fit it to the existing chassis without alterations and retaining the rechargeable battery. This is a major step because if you are moving to a new technology you have to give people a path they are comfortable with."
Mark Lawson-Statham, the company's CFO said, "Our view is that this is a couple of years out but really it’s about how quickly does our partner want to press the button and get on with it?"
We'll let you know if we hear any more details on whether Apple has partnered with the company. Please follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, or RSS for updates.
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Comments (20)
Comments are closed for this article.
0
Stealther - August 26, 2015 at 5:17pm
I won't want a highly flammable gas near my face. Period
0
Dommm - August 24, 2015 at 7:47pm
I was going to say where do you get the hydrogen but if apple does do this that won't be a problem after a few months
But the reason cars are using electric rather than hydrogen is safety the hydrogen will get blow up whereas the electric batteries catch fire
But phones don't get in crashes like cars so that won't be such a problem
0
hindy - August 25, 2015 at 11:03am
Hydrogen don't blow up real good is is far less dangerous than gasoline if stored in a proper container, the fire in the hindy was not the gas but the "paint or coating of the air ship" this propaganda bout hydrogen has been brought to you by the xon Valdez and the tex gulf
The biggest problem is that water will rust a conventional exhaust fast but a simple ceramic coating or ss would make exhaust last a life time then Midas and speedy would be crying
The built in obsolescence is the key make it disposable or we will all be out of Jobs
electrolytic water and you got H and O add a compressor and you can charge your canister
0
Gabe - August 24, 2015 at 4:36pm
Video. Or it didn't happen. Lol
0
gamerscul9870 - August 24, 2015 at 4:40pm
Good luck convincing that to concepts of iphone renders.
0
odedoo1 - August 24, 2015 at 3:08pm
Already using one but to charge my iPhone, it's a little pocket device I got, I fill it with gas on one side and I get electric power coming on the other side right to the USB cable that charges my phone and one charge is good for 2 weeks. If they can make it small enough to fit in the phone you'll never need electricity ever again but I can't see it as a perfect solution because of the water that will leak out of the phone, unless they can use the heat to change the water into vapor and even then it's still moist.
0
gamerscul9870 - August 24, 2015 at 3:18pm
Maybe they should try liquipeling the phone in case. It's waterproofing the phone without a case or a shield.
0
gamerscul9870 - August 24, 2015 at 2:56pm
Typo where it says "CFO" and not CEO in the 2nd last line.
0
Guest - August 25, 2015 at 12:42am
CFO: Chief Financial Officer. Check and you will see it's not the same name as the CEO (Chief Executive Officer).
0
Mustaffa - August 24, 2015 at 2:52pm
is this hydrogen battery life saver going to be avail be for the new iPhone 6s?
0
gamerscul9870 - August 24, 2015 at 2:54pm
The article somewhere in the middle mentions "for the prototype iPhone" in which may hint at iPhone 7. There is nothing about it on the 6s but it might be possible it's going for the 6s. If not, I'll hold onto my AMPY.
0
gamerscul9870 - August 24, 2015 at 3:20pm
I'm not bragging about what it's supposed to do, just some backup in case this doesn't work.
0
Butterspider - August 24, 2015 at 4:04pm
You can't even buy an ampy yet. Why does everyone start throwing this out every time there is an article about batteries?!
0
gamerscul9870 - August 24, 2015 at 4:39pm
1. First off, there is preorder in which I got one. 2. This involves charging the phones which has something to do with the batteries. 3. You're charging the phone without ever using the wall outlet ever again because all it takes it movement.
0
Butterspider - August 24, 2015 at 7:39pm
Except now you to carry a brick around with you. Then you have to go walking or something to charge your phone. Nah, give me a wall outlet and less crap i have to keep up with.
0
The iDevice Pro - August 24, 2015 at 8:33pm
Movement isn't the only thing that charges an Ampy. You can also plug them into a wall receptacle. The charge by movement is a good concept, but not always feasible, say on a rainy day or a day that you just want to lounge around the house.
0
The iDevice Pro - August 24, 2015 at 8:37pm
...and @Butterspider has a good point. Another brick to lug around. Not really my idea of freedom. The wireless charging, in my mind, is the simplest and most convenient approach to people who are too lazy to plug a device into a wall or find it cumbersome. That brings up a good point, though. If you are too lazy to plug a phone into an outlet, how in the heck are you going to charge an Ampy? XD
0
gamerscul9870 - August 24, 2015 at 10:01pm
1. Even if people are lazy, even walking counts as movement. 2. If people stay in their house all day, what if they excercise? 3. Wireless charge is just the same as plugging in the phone itself and setting it on airplane mode. Wireless charging uses a wire to plug in any way so...
0
The iDevice Pro - August 25, 2015 at 4:24am
How is wireless charging like putting it in airplane mode and still having to plug it up? That makes no sense whatsoever!!! Wireless charging is simply lying the iPhone on a mat and it charges! No carrying a brick around and not being a hamster in a wheel to charge a device... lol
0
gamerscul9870 - August 24, 2015 at 2:46pm
There's the Nokia-like battery (except up to a week).
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