Overview

• Apple confirms the iPhone Air uses a 3D‑printed titanium USB‑C port made via metal additive manufacturing.
• According to the company, the part is thinner and stronger while using about 33% less material than a forged port.
• The engineering change addresses thickness constraints in ultra‑thin hardware to fit the Air’s slim chassis.
• Reports indicate the port’s data transfer remains limited to USB 2.0 speeds up to 480 Mb/s.
• The 3D‑printed port appears unique to iPhone Air, with pre‑orders starting Friday at 5 a.m. PT and launch on September 19.