Actually, phone battery demand has spurred battery technology development more than anything else in the last decade. We're finally catching up to where we should have been twenty years ago. Every time electricity gets cheaper, the drive to create better batteries fell by the wayside. It was thought that electric cars would push the tech forward, but gasoline prices dictated they were relegated to the back burner, and used older battery tech. Now cellphones are the driving force and e-cars are reaping the benefits.
Apple will probably claim the iPhone is responsible for the first general-run major manufacturer electric car capable of going more than 500 miles on a single charge.
"Buy the phone responsible for your freedom from foreign oil. The iPhone Classic. A symbol of the times. For only $1300, you can own one of the extremely limited production run of 60,000,000 units, each signed by Saint Jobs, individually numbered, with a certificate of authenticity, declaring you to be a distinguishing consumer. The iPhone Classic. (warranty not valid if you hold the phone, turn the phone on, or in any way expect the device to function)"