Apple Adopts 3D Printing Technology for Manufacturing Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3: A Summary

### Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3: A Breakthrough in 3D Printing Innovation

In a recent press announcement, Apple disclosed its integration of 3D printing into the production of the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, a notable step forward in eco-friendly manufacturing practices. For the first time ever, both variants are produced from 100 percent recycled aerospace-grade titanium powder, a scenario that Apple asserts was previously regarded as unfeasible on a large scale.

#### The Influence of 3D Printing on Production

Apple’s pioneering strategy in 3D printing has resulted in significant improvements in the ecological impact of its watch manufacturing. The company underscores the importance of harmonizing the robustness and visual aesthetics of the Apple Watch with the adoption of this contemporary production technique.

As stated by Apple, “This year, all Apple Watch Ultra 3 and titanium Apple Watch Series 11 cases are 3D-printed with 100 percent recycled aerospace-grade titanium powder.” This technique enables a glossy mirror finish on the Series 11 and ensures that the Ultra 3 preserves its lightweight and sturdy qualities, addressing the requirements of active users.

The additive process of 3D printing starkly contrasts traditional subtractive manufacturing techniques, which frequently result in substantial material waste. By layering titanium powder to form the final design, Apple has diminished the volume of raw material required by 50% relative to earlier models. This transition has led to an astounding saving of over 400 metric tons of raw titanium in 2025 alone.

#### Environmental Targets and Accomplishments

Sarah Chandler, Apple’s vice president of Environment and Supply Chain Innovation, pointed out the importance of this reduction, remarking, “A 50 percent decrease is a monumental success — you’re obtaining two watches from the same volume of material utilized for one.” This development is in line with Apple’s greater commitment to achieving carbon neutrality throughout its entire supply chain by 2030. At present, all electricity utilized in the production of the Apple Watch is derived from renewable sources.

The 3D printing innovation has also improved the waterproof features of the antenna housing in wireless models of the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3. This enhancement illustrates the adaptability and possibilities of 3D printing beyond merely watch cases.

#### Wider Uses of 3D Printing

Apple’s investigation into 3D printing goes beyond the Apple Watch. The company has successfully developed a USB-C port for the new iPhone Air, employing the same recycled titanium powder. This advancement has allowed the creation of an extremely slim yet robust port, showcasing the versatility and benefits of 3D printing in contemporary electronics.

#### Conclusion

Apple’s adoption of 3D printing in the production of the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 signifies a notable advancement in sustainable technology. The utilization of 100 percent recycled materials not only diminishes waste but also boosts product performance. As Apple persists in its innovative endeavors, it sets a benchmark for the technology sector, demonstrating how cutting-edge manufacturing methods can yield both environmental and functional gains. For further information, the complete press release can be found on Apple’s website.

WhatsApp Security Flaw Exposes 3.5 Billion Phone Numbers, Possibly Including Yours

### WhatsApp Security Vulnerability Exposes Billions of Phone Numbers

A major security flaw in WhatsApp has been uncovered, indicating that the phone numbers of nearly all users worldwide were compromised. This issue, initially reported to parent company Meta in 2017, went unresolved for years, leading to a potential data exposure of unparalleled magnitude.

#### The Nature of the Exploit

Security experts discovered a simple exploit that permitted them to extract around 3.5 billion phone numbers from the messaging service. The experts observed that had malicious actors taken advantage of this same technique, it could have resulted in “the largest data breach in history.” The exploit leverages WhatsApp’s feature that enables users to verify if a phone number is registered on the platform, which unintentionally aids in the large-scale collection of user information.

#### Historical Context and Oversight

The vulnerability was first highlighted by another security researcher in 2017, who noted that WhatsApp did not set any restrictions on the number of phone number checks that could be executed. Despite this early alert, Meta did not implement necessary safeguards over the years. Recently, researchers from the University of Vienna managed to exploit the same vulnerability, successfully compiling the phone numbers of nearly all WhatsApp users in a brief period.

#### The Scale of the Exposure

The researchers reported that they were able to capture the first 30 million US phone numbers in just thirty minutes, continuing their efforts to amass data on a grand scale. Aljosha Judmayer, one of the researchers involved, remarked, “To the best of our knowledge, this signifies the most extensive exposure of phone numbers and associated user information ever recorded.”

#### Responsible Disclosure and Response

Upon discovering the breach, the researchers responsibly deleted the database of phone numbers and alerted Meta. Nonetheless, Meta took around six months to enforce a rate-limiting measure intended to curb such widespread exploitation in the future. WhatsApp has asserted that it was in the process of developing a solution and stated there is no record of malicious exploitation of the vulnerability before the researchers’ intervention.

#### Conclusion

This event highlights the critical necessity for prompt actions in response to security vulnerabilities, particularly in popular platforms like WhatsApp. The exposure of billions of phone numbers not only raises concerns about privacy but also emphasizes the need for strong security protocols to safeguard user information. As the digital environment continues to change, companies must emphasize user security to avert similar occurrences in the future.

Roblox Introduces Video Selfie Mandate for Age Confirmation of 9-Year-Old Players

### Roblox Age Verification: A Fresh Chapter for Online Security

Roblox, a leading app for children worldwide, has introduced a novel age verification system necessitating that users as young as nine provide a video selfie. This initiative follows criticism concerning the platform’s capability to safeguard young users from possible online threats, especially regarding their communication with adults.

#### The Importance of Age Verification

The age verification program of Roblox seeks to boost safety by curbing adult-child interactions in chat functionalities. The firm intends to leverage a mix of facial age estimation technology, ID validation, and parental approval to guarantee a more precise evaluation of a user’s age compared to conventional methods that depend on self-reported data during account setup. This strategy aims to foster a more secure atmosphere for children by limiting their ability to engage with users who are outside their age range.

Reportedly, this policy is presently being introduced in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, with aspirations for a worldwide rollout by early next year. Most children are unlikely to possess government-issued photo identification, which will lead many to depend on the video selfie option for age verification.

#### Age Group Classifications and Communication Limitations

After a user’s age has been validated or estimated, they will be sorted into one of six age brackets, ranging from under 9 to 21 and older. This categorization will determine their capacity to interact with others in the game, ensuring that minors have restricted communication with users who are outside their assigned age group.

#### The Responsibility of Tech Giants in Age Verification

The increasing trend of age verification in applications raises inquiries about who should be accountable for this procedure. At present, the responsibility rests on individual developers, which could result in privacy issues as numerous companies access sensitive data like photo IDs and video selfies. Observers suggest it would be more effective and secure for major tech firms such as Apple and Google to manage age verification centrally.

This transition could simplify the user experience, enabling individuals to confirm their age once instead of repeatedly for different applications. Moreover, with new laws in various U.S. states advocating for stricter age verification standards, it might become more imperative for app store proprietors to assume this responsibility.

#### Conclusion

Roblox’s updated age verification policy marks a crucial advancement in improving online safety for children. Nonetheless, it also underscores the wider implications of privacy and security in the digital era. As discussions on age verification progress, the possibility of tech giants assuming a more proactive role in protecting young users becomes increasingly pertinent.

Apple Unveils Compilation of Most Favored and Highly-Rated Podcasts of 2025

Apple has revealed the most listened to podcasts of 2025, presenting an extensive collection of charts that illustrate the most streamed episodes and the most circulated shows. The company’s editorial squad has assembled a choice of what it deems to be the finest podcasts of the year, offering both worldwide and local viewpoints through region-specific charts.

Audiences can dive into the complete array of 2025 charts on the New tab of the Apple Podcasts app, which showcases different perspectives on the year’s top successes. The rankings comprise categories such as:

– **Top Shows**: The leading podcasts based on listenership.
– **Top New Shows**: The most significant breakout titles that surfaced in 2025.
– **Most Followed Shows**: Podcasts that attracted the highest number of new followers.
– **Most Shared Shows**: Content that was often shared with friends and on social media by listeners.
– **Top Channels**: The most favored channels based on listenership.

Alongside the analytics-driven charts, Apple has compiled a selection of remarkable podcasts that resonated with its editorial team, accessible in more than 15 markets. The company intends to announce its Apple Podcasts show of the year on December 4.

### Top Shows
1. *The Joe Rogan Experience*
2. *The Daily*
3. *The Mel Robbins Podcast*
4. *Crime Junkie*
5. *Dateline NBC*
6. *SmartLess*
7. *Call Her Daddy*
8. *This American Life*
9. *Huberman Lab*
10. *The Ezra Klein Show*

### Top New Shows
1. *Good Hang with Amy Poehler*
2. *Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce*
3. *Deadly Mirage*
4. *Blink | Jake Haendel’s Story*
5. *Murder in the Moonlight*
6. *Devil in the Desert*
7. *What Happened to Holly Bobo?*
8. *Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska*
9. *Unicorn Girl*
10. *The Best People with Nicolle Wallace*

### Top Series
1. *The Telepathy Tapes*
2. *The Binge Cases*
3. *Deadly Mirage*
4. *Blink | Jake Haendel’s Story*
5. *Dateline Originals*
6. *Murder in the Moonlight*
7. *Serial*
8. *THREE*
9. *Devil in the Desert*
10. *CounterClock*

For further detailed rankings, audiences can view the complete list on the Apple Podcasts app.