Apple is reportedly testing 3D printers to manufacture stainless steel chassis for its upcoming smartwatches, starting with the Apple Watch 9.

The initial tests are reportedly being conducted for the forthcoming Apple Watch 9, and if successful, Apple plans to incorporate this technology into its manufacturing process for various other products in the future.

Currently, Apple Watch chassis are manufactured by cutting metal slabs into the required shape.

Implementing 3D printing would not only reduce production time but also minimize material usage.

Apple also aims to apply this 3D printing technique to the next version of the titanium-encased Apple Watch Ultra, slated for release next year.

However, mass-producing 3D-printed aluminum enclosures, as used in Apple's Mac and iPad lineup, remains a challenge. In the long term, Apple intends to utilize both recycled aluminum and steel for its enclosures, aligning with its 2017 goal, which was reaffirmed in 2022.

Apple has already adopted recycled aluminum in many of its products, with 59% of aluminum used in 2021 originating from recycled sources, and some products using 100% recycled aluminum for their enclosures.