Apple analyst Kuo says new Apple Watch will include larger screen, thinner design

Technology
Monday, June 17th, 2024 2:34 pm EDT

Key Points

  • The Apple Watch Series 10, set to be released in September, will be thinner and have larger screens, with sizes increasing from 41mm to 44mm and from 45mm to 49mm.
  • The new watch will incorporate components manufactured using 3D printing technology, which Apple tested for the Series 9 to improve production efficiency.
  • Bright Laser Technologies will supply the 3D-printed components, and the demand for these parts is expected to grow due to the cost advantages of 3D printing.

Apple’s upcoming Apple Watch Series 10, anticipated for release in September, is expected to feature significant upgrades according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The new models will be thinner and have larger screens, with sizes increasing from 41 millimeters to 44 millimeters and from 45 millimeters to 49 millimeters. The Apple Watch Ultra model will retain its current specifications, but may offer a darker case option depending on production yields.

A notable advancement in the manufacturing process is the introduction of 3D printing technology for certain components, which will start in the second half of the year. Apple has been exploring 3D printing since 2023, aiming to enhance production efficiency by reducing manufacturing time and material usage. The tests conducted for the Apple Watch Series 9 demonstrated significant improvements in production efficiency.

Bright Laser Technologies, a China-based company, will supply the 3D-printed components for the new Apple Watch. The demand for these parts is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by the cost advantages of 3D printing. Kuo also mentioned the potential for 3D printing technology to be applied in the production of Apple Watch cases, further indicating Apple’s commitment to integrating advanced manufacturing techniques to optimize its production processes.

For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/17/apple-watch-10-to-include-larger-screen-thinner-design-kuo.html