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Apple Shifts Premium Apple Watch Cases to At-Scale 3D-Printed Recycled Titanium

The new additive process cuts raw titanium use by about half, supporting Apple’s 2030 carbon‑neutral target.

Overview

  • All Apple Watch Ultra 3 and titanium Apple Watch Series 11 cases are manufactured with 100% recycled aerospace‑grade titanium powder.
  • Apple estimates the change will save more than 400 metric tons of raw titanium in 2025.
  • Cases are built from atomized powder using six synchronized lasers at 60‑micron layers—about 900 layers per case—followed by depowdering and automated optical inspection.
  • Additive manufacturing enables improved waterproofing in cellular models by creating a stronger bond between the metal case and the antenna housing.
  • The same 3D‑printed recycled titanium method forms the iPhone Air’s USB‑C port enclosure, which is thinner, stronger, and uses about 33% less material.