Apple is hoping to 3D-print aluminum device enclosures in the future, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In today's "Power On" newsletter, Gurman revealed that Apple is pushing to move to 3D-printed aluminum enclosures for for future devices. The MacBook Neo relies on a new aluminum manufacturing process that saves as much metal as possible to drive down costs and speed up production.
3D-printing aluminum enclosures would similarly enable Apple to save material and increase efficiency. The process is likely to come to the Apple Watch first, and potentially the iPhone at a later date.
The process is a follow-up to Apple's 3D-printed titanium technique, which debuted with the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Apple's manufacturing design and operations departments are collaborating on the project.
Gurman added suggested that Apple may expand its new "Neo" branding to the Apple Watch SE in the future, making it the "Apple Watch Neo."
Tuesday April 14, 2026 12:00 pm PDT by Juli Clover
Apple has two new Apple Watch activity challenges coming up, celebrating Earth Day and International Dance Day. The Earth Day activity challenge will launch on Wednesday, April 22, while the Dance Day challenge will take place a week later on Wednesday, April 29.
To complete the Earth Day challenge, Apple Watch owners will need to complete a workout that lasts for 30 minutes or longer.
This ...
Wednesday April 15, 2026 5:36 pm PDT by Juli Clover
Apple retail locations and Apple Authorized Service Providers will soon be able to restore Apple Watch software in-store without needing to send an Apple Watch to a service center, according to a retail source that spoke to MacRumors.
Right now, Apple Watches that can't be restored using an iPhone need to be mailed to an Apple Repair Center for service. There is no in-store repair option, so ...
Thursday April 23, 2026 11:18 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Apple has published a new ad to appeal to customers in the market for an iPhone and Apple Watch pairing, highlighting the insights it can offer for your health.
Titled simply "Health with iPhone + Apple Watch," the half-minute ad focuses on a woman waiting in line at a cafe who begins receiving unsolicited health and fitness advice from other people in the queue, as well as local residents,...
Did you forget Molly said they didn’t compromise on the Neo? Built from scratch, no cheaper materials or processes. Incredible aluminium no less.
Clearly she was talking about a cheaper process, not worse, but cheaper. That was part of the savings for the Neo. It was an investment. The Neos sold now are likely lower margins to get to that price but as they amortize the development of that process, their costs go down.
Something similar could happen with 3D printed Watches and other devices.
