The recruitment information shows that Apple wants to use solar energy in mobile devices.
The latest job postings indicate that Apple is recruiting an engineer with experience in thin-film technology within the semiconductor and solar manufacturing fields. This suggests that Apple may incorporate solar power into future mobile devices, such as smartwatches.
The job posting on Apple's website indicates that this position is within the Mobile Devices Group and requires candidates to have experience in thin-film deposition technologies from either the semiconductor process or solar industries.
Apple posted the job listing on its website Thursday. The job description focuses on applying research results rather than conducting research itself. Candidates should be familiar with general techniques related to thin-film deposition for circuit systems, including sputtering, vacuum evaporation, and electroplating.
The word "solar" appears twice in the job description, though this doesn't necessarily mean Apple will definitely release an iPhone powered by solar energy. Many advanced technologies require engineers with interdisciplinary backgrounds because these systems overlap.
One notable requirement in the job listing states: "Candidates with knowledge of thin-film technologies for RF shielding will be given preference." This indicates that Apple might be exploring new ways to address radio frequency interference issues in smartphones.
Similar to other Apple positions, the role also requires candidates to collaborate with Asian manufacturers, possess problem-solving skills, and work well in a team environment.
Apple holds several patents related to solar-powered devices, most of which involve portable devices like iPods and iPhones. Recently, Apple described a system that uses the display's electrodes to collect solar energy and can double as a capacitive touch screen.
As the efficiency of photoelectric conversion improves, solar power is gaining more attention, but it still cannot fully replace traditional power sources with solar panels alone. However, solar power could potentially enhance the standby time of small portable devices, such as smartphones. Apple has already outlined this solution in one of its patents.
