Apple is shaking up its product categories and manufacturing process significantly in 2026. From the newly launched first-ever low-cost MacBook Neo to the upcoming iPhone Ultra, the brand has a lot of exciting changes planned this year. One such is the use of the 3D printing process for future iPhones and Apple Ultra models.
Apple Explores 3D-printed Aluminium iPhones and Apple Watch Ultra
As per Mark Gurman's latest Power On newsletter, Apple is exploring a new 3D printing process to craft the aluminium body of future Apple iPhones and Watch Ultras. The brand will reportedly use a similar production line to the 3D-printed Titanium found inside the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
This shift is expected to reduce overall material usage, speed up the production process, and significantly eliminate waste. It has already worked for Apple as the latest MacBook Neo features a low-cost manufacturing process, which has enabled it to use 50% less aluminium compared to the traditional manufacturing process.
The move has not only allowed Apple to not compromise on the Neo's build by swapping aluminium with plastic, but has also opened up a new opportunity for upcoming iPhones and Apple Watches. Moreover, ever since Apple switched back to aluminium with the iPhone 17 series, the brand has been doubling down on recycled aluminium usage by almost three times.
That said, at the time of writing, it is unclear if the upcoming iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will incorporate the 3D printed aluminium chassis. Even Gurman has not shed any further light on this. However, we should know more details as we near the end of the year.
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