A tiny new silicon micro-speaker might rework future wearables — like Apple Watch and different smartwatches — by dramatically decreasing thickness whereas enhancing audio high quality, xMEMS Labs mentioned Tuesday. It unveiled Sycamore-W, an ultra-thin micro speaker engineered for wrist-worn gadgets. It might make extra room in gadgets as new options like AI interactions turn into extra prevalent.
“Sycamore-W redefines audio for good watches, combining compact design with sturdy efficiency to fulfill the calls for of next-generation wearables,” mentioned Mike Housholder, xMEMS VP of Advertising and marketing and Enterprise Growth. “Because the wrist turns into a key interface for ears-free, hands-free AI interactions, Sycamore-W empowers producers to ship premium audio in smaller, lighter extra sturdy gadgets.”
xMEMS Labs Sycamore-W micro speaker
The brand new Sycamore-W is a part of xMEMS’ increasing line of piezoMEMS audio improvements, following its profitable introduction of the world’s first all-silicon micro audio system. This newest providing is particularly designed for wrist-worn wearables like good watches and health bands.
For Apple lovers who’ve lengthy awaited slimmer watch designs with out sacrificing performance, this improvement may very well be transformative. At simply 1 millimeter skinny in a 20mm x 4mm type issue, the Sycamore-W reduces speaker package deal area by a powerful 70% in comparison with conventional elements. That would allow dramatically slimmer, sleeker system profiles whereas nonetheless delivering high-quality, full-range sound.
Nice worth as smartwatches do extra, like AI
The timing couldn’t be higher as Apple continues to place the Apple Watch as a central hub for AI interactions.
The know-how aligns completely with Apple’s design philosophy of making ever-thinner gadgets with out compromising on efficiency. The speaker’s remarkably slim 4mm extensive x 1mm skinny profile minimizes intrusion into the watch cavity, probably liberating up beneficial inner area that Apple might make the most of for added biometric sensors or bigger batteries in future Watch generations.
Extremely light-weight
Weight discount is one other vital benefit that will profit Apple Watch wearers. In comparison with legacy coil audio system that usually measure 3 to 4mm thick and might weigh as much as 3 grams, the Sycamore-W weighs a mere 150mg, dramatically decreasing pressure and enhancing consolation — essential components for gadgets worn all through the day.
Sycamore-W additionally options sturdy development, xMEMS Labs mentioned. The speaker maintains the solid-state sturdiness that xMEMS merchandise are identified for, that includes component-level IP58-rated safety in opposition to mud and water, together with spectacular 10,000g mechanical shock resistance. These qualities make it significantly appropriate for energetic life-style wearables and outdoor-oriented smartwatches.
Manufacturing begins in 2026
Whereas Apple has not introduced any plans to include this particular know-how, the alignment with the corporate’s design priorities makes it a compelling chance for future gadgets. At the moment, samples of the Sycamore-W can be found to early entry prospects, with quantity manufacturing scheduled to start in Q2 2026.
For Apple customers who take pleasure in different merchandise within the ecosystem, the unique Sycamore µSpeaker will proceed serving broader purposes, together with good glasses, open-fit earbuds and laptops. Moreover, xMEMS plans to announce different Sycamore household variants tailor-made to particular purposes later this yr.
Apple continues to push the boundaries of wearable know-how. So improvements like Sycamore-W characterize the form of component-level developments that might allow the following era of thinner, lighter and extra succesful Apple Watches. And that might rework how customers expertise sound and work together with AI assistants instantly from their wrists.
Learn extra about xMEMS Labs micro-speakers:
