Apple Watch SE might go plastic next year, but is that worth the tradeoff?

Earlier this summer, reports started to emerge that Apple is testing a new “rigid plastic” body for the next generation Apple Watch SE. It was initially expected at last week’s Apple event, but unexpectedly got delayed. While a plastic casing would undoubtedly reduce costs, it begs the question – will this tradeoff be worth it for customers?

The history of Apple Watch SE

Apple introduced the Apple Watch SE in 2020, alongside the Apple Watch Series 6. It started at $279, with the same display, aluminum casing, and ceramic back as the Series 6. It did lack miss out an Always-On Display, used an older processor, and also lacked support for reading your electrocardiogram (ECG). However, with the Apple Watch Series 6 starting at $399, it was still a pretty good deal, especially compared to the archaic Apple Watch Series 3 that Apple still sold for $199.

In 2022, Apple refreshed the Apple Watch SE, and it started at $249 – making it a little bit cheaper than the prior model. With this model, Apple updated it to use the same chipset as the flagship Apple Watch Series 8, but also changed from a ceramic backing to a new “nylon composite” material, otherwise known as plastic. It still didn’t add support for reading your ECG, nor did they add an Always-On Display, but it was a solid refresh that made the Apple Watch more accessible to more people.

Apple Watch SE 3: What’s new?

In a more recent Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman reaffirmed the switch, stating that a shift to rigid plastic is “increasingly likely.” Gurman also adds that it “could allow for a better array of colors”, making it more kid friendly.

Although we didn’t see the new Apple Watch SE at Apple’s September event alongside the Apple Watch Series 10, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says that it’s still in development, potentially for next year. Apple’s manufacturing teams apparently had challenges with the switch to plastic.

The next Apple Watch SE will likely get a newer processor as well, up from the S8 chip shared with the Apple Watch Series 8. Any upgrade would provide a decent speed increase for Apple Watch SE users.

It’s possible that we’ll see other upgrades with the Apple Watch SE, but nothing else has been rumored so far. It’d be nice if they could introduce the ECG, as that tech does save lives and it’d be great if it were as accessible as possible.

Switching to Plastic: Savings potential

With Apple likely switching to a plastic body, Apple will obviously save money in manufacturing, however it remains to be seen if Apple will pass those savings down to customers. I could see two different routes with the upcoming Apple Watch SE.

• Option 1: Apple keeps the price the same (starting at $249), but adds some additional features, such as the ability to check your Electrocardiogram or an Always-On Display
• Option 2: Apple reduces the price (perhaps $199 or $229), and keeps the feature set mostly the same

Of course, there’s always the possibility that the Apple Watch SE will remain at its current price of $249, without any significant new features. However, I doubt that Apple would take this approach. The Apple Watch SE currently occupies a weird position, especially considering the frequent deals available for older flagship Apple Watch models.

If the Apple Watch SE 3 focuses on either affordability or more health features – or better yet both, Apple will likely have a big success on their hands next year.

Are you looking forward to the upcoming Apple Watch models? Do you hate the idea of a plastic Apple Watch? Let us know in the comments below.

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