Apple to Try 3D-Printing, Change Magic Keyboard

With only a few days left before Wonderlust, Apple's highly anticipated product launch event, new developments from the tech giant have come to light surrounding the production and upgrades to its devices.

Apple's Shift to 3D-Printing

Apple plans to manufacture its upcoming Apple Watch Series 9 with 3D printers to hasten production and be more sustainable, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in his latest "Power On" newsletter over the weekend.

According to Gurman, doing this will help the tech giant save up on metal by printing the right enclosure size instead of chopping down metal slabs.

However, 3D printing will require expensive metals such as stainless steel and titanium, so Apple will first test the new process on the Watch Series 9 before committing to it for other devices, such as the upcoming titanium Apple Watch Ultra.

"One day, the approach could even come to iPhones and iPads," Gurman wrote. 

Last month, the tech journalist claimed Apple is working on "the biggest overhaul yet" for the 10th anniversary of its Apple Watch, arriving in 2024 or 2025. 

If all goes well, the tech giant could potentially produce its next-gen smartwatches using the new process, but nothing is yet set in stone.

New and Improved Magic Keyboard

Apple also plans to change its iPad accessory Magic Keyboard, giving it a larger "Mac-like" trackpad and a completely new aluminum top case that makes it sturdier, similar to recent Mac laptops.

It will retain its USB-C port, per Gurman, concluding that "the new approach will make the accessory feel more like a premium product, with the Mac's aesthetic."

Edited by Nikola Djuric