Why solid-state batteries aren’t in iPhones yet
Solid-state batteries promise higher energy density, improved safety and longer life, but they are not in iPhones yet because the technology and supply chain are not ready to produce the billions of cells needed; people in the industry expect large-scale production by the early 2030s, the ZDNET article says.
Solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes — often dry ceramics — instead of the liquid or gel electrolytes in lithium‑ion cells. That dry electrolyte is non‑flammable and enables higher energy density, faster charging and more recharge cycles, according to the article. ZDNET’s review of a solid‑state power bank noted the battery showed only minor smoke when pierced with a screwdriver, illustrating the improved safety profile.
Cost and scale are major barriers. Lithium‑ion manufacturing has been refined over more than 30 years and currently supplies billions of batteries annually. The article cites an estimate that Apple sold close to 250 million iPhones last year and that the global smartphone market was about 1.25 billion to 1.6 billion devices, not counting laptops, earbuds, smartwatches, power banks, e‑cigarettes and electric vehicles, which add many more cells; modern electric vehicles are noted as having around 6,000 18650 or 21700 cells per pack.
Technical and manufacturing problems also limit rollout. Solid‑state cells are more complex to make, which leads to lower yields; they are more sensitive to vibration and swell slightly in use.
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