A new report from Apple-related rumors and insiders Ming-Chi Kuo has surfaced today. This time, 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 mentions that the new wearable will arrive in the second half of the year, but its launch will either happen in September alongside the new iPhones, or less likely at another event in October. Regardless of when it’s unveiled, it will have an interesting feat: 3D printed parts.
Apple is said to be actively adopting 3D printing technology, and will use that process for “certain titanium mechanical parts” of the upcoming Watch Ultra.
Those parts will still need to go through some CNC processing, but moving a portion of the production of some components to 3D printing will still reduce production time and cost — which is why, we assume, Apple is doing it.
Kuo reveals that Farsoon and BLT are Apple’s 3D printer suppliers, while IPG Photonics is the exclusive supplier of the necessary laser components. If introducing 3D printing to the production of the Apple Watch Ultra does well, the company is expected to adopt this technology for more of its products in the future.