Why the next-gen solid-state battery everyone talks about isn't in your iPhone yet

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Solid-state batteries have significant advantages over lithium-ion.
• At the top of the advantages list are increased safety and improved lifespan.
• The tech isn't ready for the billions of batteries the industry would need.

The other day, I reviewed a power bank with a solid-state battery at its core, rather than a lithium-ion battery. Solid-state batteries offer increased energy density, improved safety, and a longer lifespan. To demonstrate the improved safety profile, I opened the power bank and stabbed a screwdriver into a fully charged battery; apart from a few wisps of smoke, nothing happened.

Also: I tested a solid-state portable battery for a week - now lithium-ion feels old school

So, why aren't our iPhones and other gadgets and gizmos powered by solid-state batteries?

Before we answer that question, let's look ...