A solid-state battery with 100 times energy density can be used in Apple devices

Apple battery supplier TDK has announced the development of technology that it says can be used in next-generation solid-state batteries to provide 100 times greater energy density compared to existing batteries…

I always shy away from groundbreaking battery claims. It seems like almost every year, researchers announce some amazing new technology that allows you to charge your MacBook once a month – and then you’ll never see or hear about it again.

In this particular case, TDK appears to have taken the process a bit further – actually developing the material, although not yet using any batteries.

The immediate target appears to be smaller devices.

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) has successfully developed the material for CeraCharge, a next-generation solid-state battery with an energy density of 1,000 Wh/L, approximately 100 times the energy density of a conventional TDK solid-state battery.

TDK technology aims for a solution that can be applied to a variety of wearable devices such as wireless earbuds, hearing aids, and even smartwatches.

It’s currently unclear whether the technology will make it to Apple devices, with AirTag potentially being a top candidate in the short term. It is intended for use as a replacement for the button cell types used in AirTags. They are currently not rechargeable and only last about an hour.

However, new EU regulations require brands to phase out disposable batteries in favor of rechargeable batteries, and this is what TDK intends to develop in this area.

Given that the batteries are rechargeable, this potentially allows them to be used in other Apple devices such as AirPods and Apple Watch.

But what’s most exciting about any long-life battery technology would be its application to larger devices: iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and Vision Pros. But as usual, I’m not holding my breath.

Photo: TDK