Apple Watch Ultra 2 tipped to use 3D-printed parts

News
By published

Apple's next-gen smartwatch could sport 3D-printed titanium

Apple Watch biking workout
(Image credit: Future)

The second-generation Apple Watch Ultra is rumored to launch later this year, and this time around Apple could take a new approach to manufacturing in order to ramp up production and cut costs: 3D printing. 

That's according to reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who, in a recent post on Medium, describes Apple's next-gen wearable as “2H23” — which refers to the second half of 2023.  While that timeframe leaves a lot up to speculation, it at least suggests a wearable that could be demoed alongside the iPhone 15 at Apple's September event. Previously Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman predicted we’d see the Apple Watch Ultra 2 sometime in 2023, which Kuo's report seems to back up. 

Apple's trial run for 3D-printing

Apple plans to print these parts using components from IPG Photonics, Farsoon and BLT, Kuo said. This appears to be something of a trial run for Apple by incorporating 3D-printed parts on a device with a smaller-scale production than something like its flagship iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro handsets. The Ultra 2 is also tipped to be Apple's test subject for Micro-LED technology, which would make for a much brighter screen.

But if everything goes off without a hitch, we could see the iPhone maker adopt more 3D printing technology into its manufacturing processes in the future.

"If shipments go well, I believe more Apple products will adopt 3D printing technology, which will help improve production cost and ESG performance in Apple’s supply chain, and the above-mentioned suppliers will also benefit from this new production trend," Kuo speculates.

Who knows, in the not-so-distant future, we could see the best MacBooks and iPads sporting 3D-printed parts. If Kuo and Gurman are right, we should learn more about the Watch Ultra 2 at Apple's September event, where the Apple Watch Series 9 is also expected to make an appearance. 

More from Tom's Guide

Alyse Stanley
Alyse Stanley
News Editor

Alyse Stanley is a news editor at Tom’s Guide, overseeing weekend coverage and writing about the latest in tech, gaming, and entertainment. Before Tom’s Guide, Alyse worked as an editor for the Washington Post’s sunsetted video game section, Launcher. She previously led Gizmodo’s weekend news desk and has written game reviews and features for outlets like Polygon, Unwinnable, and Rock, Paper, Shotgun. She’s a big fan of horror movies, cartoons, and roller skating. She's also a puzzle fan and can often be found contributing to the NYT Connections coverage on Tom's Guide