Apple is reportedly experimenting with 3D printing for its upcoming Apple Watches.
The central theses
- Apple is experimenting with a new 3D printing method for the upcoming Apple Watch Series 9.
- The new manufacturing process could save Apple time, money and materials while benefitting its sustainability efforts.
- Although the upcoming Apple Watches will be made using this new technique, Apple won’t make the full switch until next year, with the possibility of applying the process to other products in the future.
There is a lot of excitement ahead of Apple’s September event where the brand will unveil its next iPhones, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. In addition, the brand could also introduce new wearables with the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. At first glance, the upcoming event seems standard as a new year brings new mobile devices. However, it seems that with this year’s release, Apple could be testing a new manufacturing process that uses 3D printing.
The news comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, sharing that Apple is currently testing a new 3D printing method for the steel version of the upcoming Apple Watch Series 9. It really doesn’t mean much to the end user because you’ll be getting the same product, but for Apple it could be a game-changer as the company saves time, money and resources in the development of its products. Although most of these benefits will come later, this change will also support the company’s sustainability efforts.
With a complex process like this, Apple didn’t start it overnight, and Gurman shares that the company has been developing this process for at least three years. While the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be manufactured using this new method, the company won’t fully transition to this new technique until next year. Additionally, the source states that if this manufacturing method is successful, the process could later be applied to some of its other products.
We hope that during the event we can learn more about the building process of the latest devices. Luckily we don’t have to wait long for these new products to hit stores because Apple’s next event is scheduled for September 12th.