A new report from an analyst who often leaks accurate inside information from Apple, Ming-Chi Kuo has been published recently.
This time, the analyst confirms earlier rumors saying 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 watch will arrive sometime in the second half of this year, but it stands to reason that its launch will either happen in September along with the new iPhone series, or possibly in another event in October, GSM Arena reports, Telegrafi conveys.
Regardless of when the smartwatch will be introduced, it will have interesting features: parts printed by 3D technology. Apple is said to be adapting 3D printing technology even further, and will use the process for “some of the titanium mechanical parts” in the upcoming Watch Ultra.
These parts will still need to go through some CNC processes, but even just part-manufacturing some components will still be 3D-printed to reduce production time and costs.
Kuo reveals that Farsoon and BLT are the suppliers of 3D printers for Apple, while IPG Photonics is the exclusive supplier of the required laser components.
If the introduction of 3D printing in the production of the Apple Watch Ultra works well, then the company is expected to adopt the technique for more of its products in the future.