There’s often commentary that describes how closed Apple’s software ecosystem is. Whether the ecosystem is closed or tightly integrated is a matter many regulators, especially in the EU, have been grappling with. But Apple’s recent announcement about the use of 3D printing and recycled titanium for recent Apple Watch models and the USB-C port in the iPhone Air suggests it is looking towards a closed manufacturing loop.
In 2019, Apple announced that it had built Daisy – a machine that can disassemble up to 200 iPhones across 15 different models per hour. Trade-in iPhones are diverted to a refurbishment centre where they are disassembled and the parts are reused or recycled.
Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, said “…we hope that the convenience and benefit of our programs will encourage everyone to bring in their old devices.”
Ethical and environmental benefits
Later that year a lawsuit against Apple and Google alleged that children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were being used to illegally mine cobalt. It’s important to note that Apple and Google weren’t running the mining operations. However, this brought attention on where the raw materials used in our devices come from.
In 2022, Apple announced that it would be using more recycled material as it moved towards a closed loop.
This week’s announcement about the use of 3D printing that uses powdered titanium is another step in that direction. iFixIt has written an excellent explainer on the technical details of Apple’s 3D printing process.
A closed manufacturing loop reduces the volume of waste that goes into landfill. It also means the mining of raw materials is reduced which has substantial environmental benefits. And it reduces the risk of Apple sourcing materials that have been mined by unethical companies.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.