A recent report suggests Apple may be considering a design change for the upcoming Apple Watch SE. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the next iteration of the budget-friendly smartwatch could have a plastic construction instead of its current aluminum casing.
This news comes alongside rumors of updates to the higher-end Apple Watch Series 10 (or Apple Watch Series X – here are the renders). The current Apple Watch SE, released in 2022, already saw a material change with the back case transitioning from ceramic to a “nylon composite.”
The main plus point of a plastic design would likely be a reduction in manufacturing costs. The current Apple Watch SE starts at $249, whereas some competing smartwatches, like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch, have a starting price of $199. A plastic build could allow Apple to reach a more competitive price point, just like Samsung is trying to compete with Apple by bringing a rumored Samsung Watch Ultra.
Plastic may not offer the same premium feel as aluminum, and users might have concerns about durability. The specific type of plastic and its construction have not been disclosed, but a less robust material could be a concern for a device intended for everyday wear.
The company is also working on a new version of its lower-cost Apple Watch SE model, which it last updated in 2022. One idea that the company has tested is swapping out the aluminum shell in favor of rigid plastic.
Apple’s potential use of plastic in the next Apple Watch SE depends on consumer preferences. Users need to weigh the lower price against the potential drawbacks of plastic in terms of quality and durability.