Apple is reportedly exploring ways to 3D print aluminum to improve the efficiency of iPhone and Apple Watch production.<\/p>\n
Bloomberg\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0Mark Gurman reported that this new production process could specifically change how Apple makes the exteriors for both the Apple Watch and iPhone.<\/p>\n Now,\u00a0Engadget<\/a>\u00a0noted that this isn\u2019t the first time Apple dabbled in 3D printing, with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11<\/a> being partially built with 3D-printed titanium that was 100 per cent recycled.\u00a0 Apple also used its 3D printing process to make the titanium USB-C port for the iPhone Air<\/a>.<\/p>\n While Apple is reportedly only looking into 3D-printed aluminum\u00a0for now, it could also reduce manufacturing costs and lower iPhone prices amid the RAM shortage (which Apple has notably been struggling with internally<\/a>).<\/p>\n Engadget<\/a>\u00a0also noted that the company introduced a new manufacturing process for the recently announced MacBook Neo<\/a>, which reduces the amount of aluminum used, which is part of the reason for the lowered price tag.<\/p>\n Interestingly, Gurman also noted that, like the Neo, Apple is planning to use a refreshed colour palette for an iMac reveal later in the year.<\/p>\n Source: Bloomberg<\/a>, Engadget<\/a><\/p>\n