Earlier this summer, reports started to emerge that Apple is testing a new “rigid plastic” body for the next generation Apple Watch SE. While this 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.”
We should be seeing this new plastic Apple Watch at Apple’s annual iPhone keynote on September 9th, according to Gurman’s report from Friday:
For the first time in two years, the company is preparing to update all of its Apple Watch models at once. There will be a new low-end Apple Watch SE, a mid-level Series 10 model and an Ultra 3.
The next Apple Watch SE will likely get a newer processor, either the S9 chip from last year’s Apple Watch Series 9, or the new S10 chip from the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10. Either option would provide a noticeable 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 this 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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