For several years it has been rumored that Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), would use "liquid metal" to manufacture a good part of its iDevice/Macs, but until now the American company has limited itself to manufacturing the key for removing the SIM tray and other less important components. However, some applications for the registration of invention patents published today, the American company describes methods by which it can use "liquid metal" to produce various components of its devices using the injection molding process, or a 3D printing process. The Apple company has concluded an exclusive agreement with a US company for the use of this type of material, but for now it is not using it in a really important way.
Despite the lack of material from important parts of Apple products, the company describes in its applications procedures by which it can produce various components through 3D printing processes, which are cheaper than traditional procedures for manufacturing components. Apple claims that these technologies can be used for its iDevices, Apple TVs and other products, but the company claims similar things in all its applications/patents, although so far I have not seen anything important done based on them. Having said that, the Apple company has big plans, but as usual, we only have promises, because the important products will arrive on the market only in a few years.
