Apple Explores 3D Printing for Future iPhone and Apple Watch Frames
Technology giant Apple is assessing the possibility of using 3D printing technology to manufacture frames for future iPhone and Apple Watch models. The information was reported by Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman, according to Engadget.
Apple has already used 3D printing to produce the titanium body of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11, where 100 percent recycled titanium was utilized. The technology was also recently applied in manufacturing the titanium USB-C port of the iPhone Air, making it thinner, stronger, and more environmentally friendly.
Technology analysts say that if the same technology can be applied to aluminum components, production costs could be significantly reduced. In Apple’s new MacBook Neo, the use of aluminum was reduced by 50 percent, enabling the company to lower manufacturing costs and bring the laptop to market at a price of $599. Analysts believe that if a similar approach is applied to future iPhones, it could help reduce the device’s price.
Gurman also noted that Apple is planning to introduce a new color palette for the iMac later this year. This would mark the first major color change since the current iMac design was launched in 2021. Although the shades of the iMac colors were slightly adjusted in 2024, the upcoming update may feature an entirely new range of colors.
Analysts believe the new version of the iMac could arrive after the next update to the Mac Studio.
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