Apple to use 3D printing for some Apple Watch Ultra parts

Apple is reportedly planning to use 3D printing for some of the mechanical parts in the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the tech giant is actively adopting 3D printing technology, and it is expected that some of the titanium mechanical parts of the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra will be made by 3D printing.

Kuo said that the 3D-printed parts will still need to go through the CNC process for back-end processes, but this will still help to improve production time and reduce production costs. He also stated that US-based IPG

Photonics is the exclusive supplier of laser components for 3D printers used to produce mechanical parts for the Apple Watch Ultra, and Farsoon Technologies and Bright Laser Technologies are printer suppliers.

If shipments go well, Kuo believes that more Apple products will use 3D printing technology in the future. This could help to improve production costs and ESG performance in Apple’s supply chain.