A few years ago, Apple purchased a company that created small solar panels that had applications in a variety of technology. Since that time, not much has been said about what progress has been made until recently. Of course, this progress is just another rumor from the rumor mill. There is no tangible evidence Apple will apply solar tech to its line of devices, but if so — and I definitely see it happening soon — expect it to appear in that smartwatch everyone likes talking about.

Battery life is the big problem when it comes to wearables. The Galaxy Gear, Pebble, and Google Glass all come to mind. Besides, how many people do you know who charge their watch? Who wants to do that anyway? It’s just another device to plug in on a nightly basis. Perhaps a kinetic method would work as well. That’s how watches worked in the old days before batteries. But, Apple doesn’t like moving parts, so, back to solar…

While a future smartwatch from Apple may not be 100% solar-powered, I imagine the solar tech on its own will get you through 70% of the day. Apple is no slouch in battery life, (think iPhone, iPad, iPod, and new MacBooks) therefore they will deliver a viable, wearable product.

The iPhone 6 is also getting all kinds of speculation about its size and look. With so many critics blasting Apple for “not innovating,” don’t be surprised if they incorporate solar panels in their next generation of phones. That sapphire facility in Arizona is a good clue.

Whatever Apple has coming up in regards to future energy uses, it’s really going to benefit everyone. Solar is better for the environment and user. And we all know Apple prides itself on the user experience, as well as being a green company.

Solar just makes sense.