Just a year after launching the first Apple Watch Ultra model, the manufacturer is rumoured to launch a second iteration this year. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the 2nd generation Apple Watch Ultra will utilise 3D-printed mechanical components, with a launch scheduled for later this year.
These findings come from Kuo’s Medium page, where the analyst also talks about Apple’s supply chain sources “actively adopting 3D printing technology.” Kuo further claims that the titanium mechanical parts required for the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra will be made using 3D printing technology.
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While Kuo doesn’t say what these parts are, MacRumors speculates that some of these could be the Action Button, Side Button, or the Digital Crown meant for the company’s second-generation high-end fitness smartwatch.
The analyst believes that Apple could consider adopting 3D printing tech more broadly if these initial shipments show promise. While the arrival of a second Apple Watch Ultra model within 12 months does seem implausible, Kuo isn’t the only one to discuss the wearable’s arrival this year. Yet another well-known industry source, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, has also discussed the likelihood of Apple launching the second Apple Watch Ultra model this year.
Apple Watch Series 9 is on the cards, too
On top of the rumoured Apple Watch Ultra refresh, the manufacturer is also expected to launch the Apple Watch Series 9 in September. The wearable will likely break cover alongside the iPhone 15 series in September, running the company’s latest watchOS 10 operating system. Meanwhile, the new iPhones will run iOS 17 out of the box, which is currently available as part of a beta preview.
Source: Medium – Ming-Chi Kuo
Via: MacRumors