Home Apple Apple Watch SE may go plastic subsequent yr, however is that definitely worth the tradeoff?

Apple Watch SE may go plastic subsequent yr, however is that definitely worth the tradeoff?

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Apple Watch SE may go plastic subsequent yr, however is that definitely worth the tradeoff?


Earlier this summer time, reviews began to emerge that Apple is testing a brand new “inflexible plastic” physique for the following era Apple Watch SE. It was initially anticipated eventually week’s Apple occasion, however unexpectedly bought delayed. Whereas a plastic casing would undoubtedly scale back prices, it begs the query – will this tradeoff be value it for purchasers?

The historical past of Apple Watch SE

Apple launched the Apple Watch SE in 2020, alongside the Apple Watch Sequence 6. It began at $279, with the identical show, aluminum casing, and ceramic again because the Sequence 6. It did lack miss out an All the time-On Show, used an older processor, and likewise lacked assist for studying your electrocardiogram (ECG). Nevertheless, with the Apple Watch Sequence 6 beginning at $399, it was nonetheless a fairly whole lot, particularly in comparison with the archaic Apple Watch Sequence 3 that Apple nonetheless offered for $199.

In 2022, Apple refreshed the Apple Watch SE, and it began at $249 – making it a bit of bit cheaper than the prior mannequin. With this mannequin, Apple up to date it to make use of the identical chipset because the flagship Apple Watch Sequence 8, but in addition modified from a ceramic backing to a brand new “nylon composite” materials, in any other case generally known as plastic. It nonetheless didn’t add assist for studying your ECG, nor did they add an All the time-On Show, however it was a stable refresh that made the Apple Watch extra accessible to extra folks.

Apple Watch SE 3: What’s new?

In a more moderen Energy On publication, Mark Gurman reaffirmed the swap, stating {that a} shift to inflexible plastic is “more and more doubtless.” Gurman additionally provides that it “might permit for a greater array of colours”, making it extra child pleasant.

Though we didn’t see the brand new Apple Watch SE at Apple’s September occasion alongside the Apple Watch Sequence 10, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says that it’s nonetheless in growth, probably for subsequent yr. Apple’s manufacturing groups apparently had challenges with the swap to plastic.

The subsequent Apple Watch SE will doubtless get a more recent processor as properly, up from the S8 chip shared with the Apple Watch Sequence 8. Any improve would offer an honest velocity improve for Apple Watch SE customers.

It’s attainable that we’ll see different upgrades with the Apple Watch SE, however nothing else has been rumored to date. It’d be good if they may introduce the ECG, as that tech does save lives and it’d be nice if it had been as accessible as attainable.

Switching to Plastic: Financial savings potential

With Apple doubtless switching to a plastic physique, Apple will clearly lower your expenses in manufacturing, nonetheless it stays to be seen if Apple will go these financial savings all the way down to prospects. I might see two totally different routes with the upcoming Apple Watch SE.

  • Possibility 1: Apple retains the worth the identical (beginning at $249), however provides some further options, resembling the power to examine your Electrocardiogram or an All the time-On Show
  • Possibility 2: Apple reduces the worth (maybe $199 or $229), and retains the characteristic set largely the identical

After all, there’s at all times the chance that the Apple Watch SE will stay at its present value of $249, with none vital new options. Nevertheless, I doubt that Apple would take this method. The Apple Watch SE presently occupies a bizarre place, particularly contemplating the frequent offers obtainable for older flagship Apple Watch fashions.

If the Apple Watch SE 3 focuses on both affordability or extra well being options – or higher but each, Apple will doubtless have an enormous success on their palms subsequent yr.


Are you trying ahead to the upcoming Apple Watch fashions? Do you hate the thought of a plastic Apple Watch? Tell us within the feedback beneath.

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