Future Apple Watch, iPhones could be made using a new 3D printed material

Apple’s recently announced that its new affordable MacBook Neo is big on sustainability. The chassis comprises 90 per cent recycled aluminium, which also helps save on material costs. But this is far from a one-off thing, Apple is reportedly planning on continuing on this sustainability path by utilising 3D printed aluminium enclosure for its future smartwatches and iPhones. 

Apple reportedly testing 3D printed aluminium for future devices

Mark Gurman, in his latest Power On newsletter, reports that Apple’s design and operations team is said to be exploring ways to develop aluminium device casings using 3D printing. This could improve the manufacturing efficiency and reduce material usage during production. It could change how the company makes its watch casings and iPhone enclosures. 

It’s worth noting that Apple already uses a 3D printed titanium case for the Watch 3 Ultra and Watch 11 series titanium models. Even the iPhone Air has a 3D printed titanium USB-C port to enable a thinner and more durable design. The Cupertino-based tech giant could follow up to its 3D titanium printing technique with aluminium first on the Apple Watch and then iPhones. 

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The company hasn’t confirmed this development yet. The move could enable Apple to lower the starting prices of devices. The brand would still need time to refine the aluminium printing process before it’s adopted widely in consumer products. 

The new aluminium manufacturing process, although not 3D printed on the MacBook Neo, helped the brand to achieve a starting entry-level price tag of Rs 69,900. It is said to use atleast 50 per cent less aluminium while ensuring durability. Gurman further mentions that Apple may extend its Neo branding to the Apple Watch SE. 

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