Solar panels could be included in sapphire glass covering

Sun Powered: The iPhone 6 won’t launch for months, but Apple’s (AAPL) next-generation iPhone is already generating some bizarre rumors. According to an analyst at Seeking Alpha, Apple has been investing in technology that could lead to this year’s iPhone being covered in sapphire glass with tiny solar panels embedded in the covering. The solar panels would help recharge the iPhone’s batteries when exposed to a strong light source. Apple could also feature the technology in a new version of the iPod Touch, though there are persistent rumors that Apple will not launch a next-generation of the iPod line, whose sales have been falling for years. The Seeking Alpha analyst notes that Apple already holds a variety of patents for mobile device solar charging technology and signed an agreement with GT Advanced Technologies to develop sapphire display covers late last year. Recent rumors indicate that Apple will launch an iPhone with a screen larger than 4.5-inches this year. Other rumors suggest that Apple could launch two iPhone 6 models, including one with a screen above 5-inches.