“Sun” headphones
Recently, wireless headphones with integrated solar panels have hit the market. The offerings come from Urbanista, a Los Angeles–based brand, and Adidas with their RPT-02 SOL model.
The solar panels sit within a headband, positioned to catch direct sunlight and maximize energy capture as the headphones rest on the wearer’s head.
Both Urbanista and Adidas also rely on flexible panels from Exeger, the Swedish company behind Powerfoyle. The panels are incredibly thin, at about 1.3 millimeters, and use a titanium dioxide layer coated with a natural dye. That dye absorbs photons and converts them into electrical energy.
Exeger’s CEO, Giovanni Fili, notes that twenty minutes of summer sun can yield enough energy to play music for roughly an hour from the Powerfoyle setup. This accelerates energy collection during daylight while allowing continued use after the sun goes down, since charging can still occur with a traditional power source in the evening or at night.
Industry observers say the solar-enabled headphones still rely on a built-in battery and charger, and the sun-powered layer is meant to supplement rather than replace conventional charging. Dmitry Parshin, director of the Artezio development center (part of the Lanit group), explains that this is another step toward a device that runs longer between outlets. He cautions that while the technology reduces the size of charging components, efficiency can wane over time and usage patterns matter.
Dmitry Parshin adds that the compact charge coating can lower energy-generation efficiency. In Parshin’s view, the current form of solar headphones does not significantly alter the user experience, so owners will still rely on normal charging when needed.
“Solar” AirPods
The push for alternative charging solutions is heating up as hydrocarbon costs rise and interest in decentralized energy grows, according to IT specialist Dmitry Bevza. He notes that Apple, with its savvy marketing, has long shown interest in Exeger-like technologies. The adoption of Exeger technology in existing solar-powered headphones is considered a strong move. The design, especially the headband integration, looks impressive and offers more than just longer battery life. The broader appeal lies in giving users a sense that they are contributing to ecological goals, a sentiment Bevza believes resonates with Apple’s audience.
Bevza suggests Apple could eventually integrate such tech with AirPods, potentially adding a solar-equipped headband to AirPods Max. He cautions that any official release would not come before 2024 due to development cycles and the absence of insider leaks. In Bevza’s view, Apple and others will closely watch how Urbanista and Adidas devices with Exeger panels perform in real-world conditions, beyond laboratory tests. Parshin of Artezio adds that early devices with built-in solar panels tend to appear in full-size headphones that have sufficient space for the charging layer. While intriguing, this approach limits the technology’s appeal and potential return on investment, leading some experts to doubt sustained demand. There is a sense that the trend may shift toward smaller, more miniaturized solutions, and solar charging may not become widely adopted. Solar power remains an option that serves more as a marketing differentiator than a universal charging method, according to Parshin.
Apple and Exeger
Ivan Samoylenko, managing partner at B&C Agency, notes that Apple has long patented wireless charging technologies based on built-in solar panels. He points to the company’s history of innovation, from smartwatches to tablets, as evidence of a strategic focus on energy-efficient devices. Apple is widely regarded for its commitment to lean technologies and reducing environmental impact, a stance Samoylenko describes as part of the company’s broader identity. Apple reportedly powers its data centers and offices with solar energy and has taken steps to eliminate harmful substances in production, including mercury and lead, according to Samoylenko.
Bevza remains cautious about a direct Apple–Exeger collaboration, but he acknowledges the potential for strategic partnerships. Exeger’s valuation, reported at about 860 million dollars previously, could attract attention from a major player if the fit is right. Yet the current solar panel offerings are focused on AirPods Max and similar devices, which are a niche market. A future collaboration or licensing deal with Apple is plausible, given Apple’s track record with accessory ecosystems and partnerships. Bevza emphasizes that Apple’s management excels at creating mutually beneficial arrangements with accessory makers, much like earlier collaborations with Beats products.
“Solar” technology in Russia
In Russia, Artezio’s Dmitry Parshin notes attempts to explore similar solar-powered concepts during the development of devices for the local market. However, interest in solar energy devices remains limited, and companies tend to invest in longer-lasting, higher-capacity, and more compact batteries instead. The prevailing trend in Russia leans toward traditional charging and broader energy efficiency rather than mobile solar charging.
Ivan Samoilenko of B&C Agency adds that the main obstacles to solar devices in Russia are weather and climate. Devices with solar panels may face limited demand in regions with less sun exposure. Expanding sales to Asia, Africa, or Latin America could also raise questions about practicality. Potential buyers often wonder why they would spend hours in direct sun to charge a device when a standard outlet in a climate-controlled environment is more convenient, according to Samoilenko.