The Apple Watch is not only one of the most popular smartwatches worldwide, but also a status symbol for tech fans. The Apple Watch SE, in particular, scores highly with its attractive price-performance ratio. However, according to current rumors, a significant change is imminent—or rather, no longer imminent—with the next generation. The planned plastic Apple Watch SE now appears to be in serious jeopardy. But what's behind this?
If you've been looking forward to the new Apple Watch SE model—perhaps even because of the rumored plastic case—then you should read on. It looks like Apple may have to rethink that plan. Internal difficulties, disappointed design teams, and no discernible cost advantage raise questions. The decision could significantly impact the future of the affordable Apple Watch—and thus your purchasing decision.
What was planned?
Apple originally planned to equip the next-generation Apple Watch SE with a strong plastic case. The goal was to reduce production costs and bring the watch to market at an even lower price. This would further entrench the SE series into the entry-level segment without significantly compromising on performance.
Why the rethink now?
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, this project is "seriously at risk." The reasons for this lie on two levels:
- Design issues: Apple's design teams don't like the look of the plastic version. The Apple Watch's appearance is a key component of its success—and Apple isn't willing to compromise on that.
- No real cost advantages: Even though plastic seems cheaper at first glance, there are apparently no significant savings in production compared to the current aluminum casing. This doesn't make sense for Apple.
What does this mean for you?
If you were hoping that the Apple Watch SE would soon become even cheaper – especially due to the use of plastic – things aren't looking good at the moment. The plastic version is controversial internally, and it's unclear whether Apple will even bring it to production. But there's still some good news: The Apple Watch SE is now almost three years old. This means that a new model is very likely coming this fall. Whether made of aluminum or plastic – you can expect an update (via Bloomberg).
What else is happening with Apple Watch?
In addition to the SE, there are also exciting developments with the Apple Watch Ultra. According to Gurman, the next generation will support satellite text messaging and 5G connectivity. This would represent a real leap forward in terms of independence and connectivity – especially for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.
Apple Watch SE: Quality instead of compromise
The Apple Watch remains in flux – even if not every idea makes it into the final version. The planned plastic Apple Watch SE may be off the table, but you can still look forward to new models and features. Especially if you're looking for a solid, powerful, yet attractively priced model, the SE series remains exciting. (Image: Apple)
