Imagine leaving your cell phone charger behind and not thinking twice. With Apple's upcoming solar-powered iPhone, a battery will be convenient, but not completely necessary.

Ever the stickler for function and form, Apple (AAPL) has no plans to compromise the design of its popular iPhone when it goes solar. According to ChannelWeb, the company will place small solar panels underneath the gadget's display window, facilitating the absorption of light through its LCD screen.

Apple filed for a patent on April 24th that, if granted, will enable the company to make solar power a 21st century norm.

But Apple's new sun-fueled device won't operate completely independent of chargers. The amount of juice guzzled by the iPhone, coupled with rain, cloud and the typical consumer's penchant for the indoors, means batteries (in some form) are here to stay.

Too bad this scenario won't be a reality until at least 2013. Better hang on to that solar-powered watch for now.

For more on Apple, check out Hoofy & Boo's always astute report.