Apple Uses Recycled Rare Earth Metals in iPhone 11 Taptic Engine

Apple plans to source the rare earth metals needed to build the iPhone 11 Taptic Engine from recycled components, as the company has a new strategy to make its products more environmentally friendly.

Recently, the company has introduced iPhone 11 series phones, the series possess more cameras than previous versions, the processor is faster, and consumes less energy. At the press conference, the relevant person said that the core component of the new iPhone, Taptic Engine, will use recycled rare earth. The part is the small linear actuator that generates the iPhone's signature haptic feedback, the linear motor is faster, thinner and more controllable vibration response.

According to the report, the Taptic Engine accounts for about one-quarter of the rare earth metals used in the manufacturing of a single iPhone. Apple explains using recycled rare metals helps ensure supply stability. The recovery efficiency is not high. According to statistics, for every 100,000 iPhones recovered, the amount of extraction is only 32 kg. In consumer electronics, the elements are found primarily in micro speakers and actuators. What makes recycling components challenging is the fact that they're typically tiny, making it easy to damage them in the process.

Also, the recycled rare elements that Taptic Engine will use comes from an external supplier rather than being recycled from the iPhone. Apple did not disclose the identity of the supplier, nor did it indicate which product the recycled rare metals will come from.

It is understood that rare earth is a shorthand for a group of metals, including 17 elements, the 17 minerals that make up the rare elements group are critical to making electric vehicles and solar panels. It's vitally important to find a way to effectively reuse and recycle rare metals.

A recent study by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure found a shortage of rare earth metals is likely to limit the world's ability to meet the emission reduction targets set out by the Paris Climate Agreement. Reducing its dependence on mined rare metals is something Apple has been talking about since 2017. Besides the environmental benefits, the move of the company taps recycled rare earth metals in iPhone 11 Taptic Engine could help Apple weather a potential supply shortage if trade relations between China and the US continue to worsen.

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