A next generation iPhone may feature a thinner and more environmentally friendly battery since the current lithium-ion battery contains some harmful elements.
NEC has developed a 0.3mm thin organic battery with the same capacity as lithium-ion rechargeable batteries used in mobile phones. These Organic Radical batteries (ORBs) are generally used with IC cards, RF tags, and electronic paper, but a report is suggesting they could be utilised in the iPhone 6.
According to Wikipedia, ORBs are characterized by their extremely thin profile, flexibility, and fast charge time (about 30 seconds). The technology is also being welcomed by environmentalists because ORB batteries do not contain any of the heavy metals that pose the problem of proper disposal.
Lithium-ion batteries are deemed environmentally safe for landfills, however, Apple has already done a lot to reduce its environmental footprint, remobing many toxic materials from its product line. A section of Apple's website is devoted to Apple's Environmental Footprint.
The iPhone, with its recyclable glass and aluminum enclosure, uses Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) free materials, mercury-free LCD displays, bromine-free printed circuit boards, and Arsenic-free display glass. The packaging used for shipping the iPhone is made of post-consumer recycled fibreboard and bio-based materials.
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