Apple Watch Ultra 2 to have 3D printed parts, coming later this year

A new report from prolific purveyor of Apple-related rumors and inside information Ming-Chi Kuo is out today. This time around, the analyst confirms previous rumors stating that Apple will release a sequel to the original Apple Watch Ultra, and will do so later this year.

Kuo only mentions that the new wearable is coming sometime in the second half of this year, but it stands to reason that its launch would either occur in September along with the new iPhones, or perhaps, less likely, in October at another event. Regardless of when it is unveiled, it will sport an interesting feat: 3D printed parts.

Apple is said to actively be adopting 3D printing technology, and will use that process for "some of the titanium mechanical parts" of the upcoming Watch Ultra.

Those parts will still have to go through some CNC processes, but even switching just a part of the production of some components to 3D printing will still cut production times and costs - which is why, we assume, Apple is doing it.

Kuo reveals that Farsoon and BLT are the 3D printer suppliers for Apple, while IPG Photonics is the exclusive supplier of the laser components required. If introducing 3D printing into the Apple Watch Ultra's production works out well, then the company is expected to adopt the technique for even more of its products in the future.

Source