Xiaomi’s 15 series flagship lineup finally made its global debut this week, and its Indian launch is scheduled for March 11. While it may seem too early to discuss the Xiaomi 16 series, the ever-churning smartphone rumor mill says otherwise.
According to a new leak, the Xiaomi 16 Pro could feature 3D-printed frames. The tip comes from TF Securities International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who shared the information on X (formerly Twitter).
Kuo claims the Xiaomi 16 Pro will feature a metal mid-frame produced with 3D printing technology from Chinese supplier Bright Laser Technologies.
Kuo notes that the 3D-printed structure’s hollow design could help reduce the phone’s weight while improving thermal performance — all without compromising structural strength.
3D tech has its limitations
That said, 3D printing isn’t exactly the most efficient manufacturing process, as it builds objects layer by layer, slowing down production. There’s also the question of cost, which is likely to be higher than conventional manufacturing methods.
But Kuo suggests smartphone makers could increasingly adopt 3D printing if its advantages outweigh the downsides, especially in applications where efficiency isn’t the primary concern.
It’s a bit reminiscent of what Sharp attempted back in the early 2000s with the mova SH251iS, the first phone with a glasses-free 3D display. The concept was ahead of its time, but the tech had its limitations—working only from certain angles.
Fast-forward a couple of decades, and we now have devices like the ZTE Nubia Pad 3D, which offer vastly improved glasses-free 3D screens.
3D-printed smartphone frames shouldn’t be as complex as making true 3D displays, but widespread adoption will take time.
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