Hydrogen cell could power iPhones for 'weeks'

Apple has filed a patent for a hydrogen fuel cell technology that could power iPhones and laptops for days or weeks without a needing to be recharged.

Documents filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office say the technology "eliminates the need for a bulky and heavy battery", the UK's Daily Telegraph reports.

Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity from the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen and produce water as a byproduct.

The patent filings Fuel Cell System to Power a Portable Computing Device and Fuel Cell System Coupled to a Portable Computing Device note that the fuel cells could be smaller and lighter than conventional batteries while powering devices for longer.

"Such fuel cells and associated fuels can potentially achieve high volumetric and gravimetric energy densities, which can potentially enable continued operation of portable electronic devices for days or even weeks without refuelling," Apple said.

Two other patent filings from Apple in October talked about getting more power from lighter hydrogen fuel cells.

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