Overview
- Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports Apple is developing aluminum 3D‑printing techniques with an initial target of Apple Watch casings.
- If successful, the approach could expand to iPhone enclosures, though Apple has not announced a timeline or confirmed the plan.
- Apple already uses 3D‑printed titanium in Apple Watch Ultra 3 and some Series 11 parts, and it leveraged the process for a thinner USB‑C port on iPhone Air.
- MacBook Neo employs a new aluminum forming method that reportedly uses about 50% less metal than traditional processes, highlighting ongoing material‑saving efforts.
- Coverage notes aluminum 3D printing poses technical hurdles—including rapid cooling that can cause warping and the likely need for different alloys—yet promises lower costs and reduced waste if solved.