Apple is considering 3D-printed aluminum iPhones
Apple is exploring 3D printing aluminum to manufacture iPhone and Apple Watch casings more efficiently.
This development could lower manufacturing costs and reduce starting prices for iPhones if the process is widely adopted. The company previously utilized 3D printing for titanium components in recent devices.
According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, Apple is investigating methods to 3D print aluminum enclosures for its smartphones and wearables. Gurman reported that this new production process could specifically alter how Apple manufactures watch casings and iPhone bodies.
Apple has previously used 3D printing in its production lines. The company partially built the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11 using 100% recycled 3D-printed titanium.
More recently, Apple used 3D printing to create the thinner, stronger, and more environmentally friendly titanium USB-C port for the iPhone Air. The company introduced a new manufacturing process for the MacBook Neo that saves aluminum, resulting in a $599 starting price.
Gurman also reported that Apple plans to use a refreshed color palette for its iMac reveal later this year. Apple has not publicly commented on the specific timeline for implementing aluminum 3D printing in mass production.