According to a Digitimes report released last night, Apple and Samsung are considering the use of solar power for consumer products:

Samsung and Apple have been evaluating the possible niche market for solar-powered consumer products and considering the inclusion of Taiwan-based solar firms in their respective supply chains. However, according to Taiwan-based solar firms, these niche markets will need a longer time to develop.

The problem with solar power is the technology still has a way to go, to make a real dent in charging devices. US-based Solarmer holds the highest conversion efficiency at 8.13% for organic photovoltaic cells. We’ve reviewed solar chargers before, and although they will charge, it does take a long time.

A previous report by the WSJ noted Apple’s next iPhone will include a new way of charging, but I highly doubt that refers to solar power, but more towards a wireless method of charging.

Do you think a solar-powered iPhone will come anytime soon?