Apple is rumored to be planning a significant redesign for its affordable smartwatch line, the Apple Watch SE. According to Mark Gurman’s recent Sunday Digest on Bloomberg, the tech giant is preparing to release a new version of the Watch SE featuring a durable plastic casing, potentially debuting sometime in 2025. This shift to a plastic material could signal a move toward making the device even more accessible to a wider audience, particularly younger consumers.
The Evolution of the Apple Watch SE
Since its initial launch in 2020, the Apple Watch SE has positioned itself as a budget-friendly alternative to Apple’s flagship wearables. The first-generation model shared many features with the Apple Watch Series 6, but was designed with affordability in mind, sacrificing premium functions like the Always-On Display and ECG recording. However, its $279 price point attracted users who wanted the core Apple Watch experience without the higher cost.
In 2022, Apple updated the Watch SE, this time with a nylon composite cover while borrowing the processor from the Apple Watch Series 8, making it faster and more efficient. This update also came with a price cut, dropping the cost to $249, making it even more appealing to budget-conscious consumers. But the lack of newer features kept it tethered to older technologies, leaving many to wonder when Apple would refresh the device.
Plastic Casing: A Game-Changer for Affordability and Design
The rumored transition to an all-plastic body could mark a new era for the Watch SE. Plastic is not only cheaper to produce but also offers greater flexibility in design. With this material, Apple could introduce a range of vibrant color options, making the device more appealing to younger audiences, particularly children and teenagers who are often drawn to colorful gadgets.
In fact, the use of plastic could open up new markets for Apple, making the Watch SE an ideal device for parents to buy for their kids as a first smartwatch, potentially paired with family-centric features like parental controls and location tracking.
Moreover, a plastic Apple Watch SE may also be more durable than its aluminum counterparts, particularly when it comes to handling drops and daily wear-and-tear. This would make it a practical choice for active users who need a robust device but don’t want to pay premium prices for an Apple Watch Ultra or Series 9.
Powering Up: A Significant Processor Upgrade
Beyond the redesign, one of the most anticipated changes to the Watch SE is the rumored processor upgrade. While the current model uses a processor from the Apple Watch Series 8, reports suggest that the upcoming version could feature an even more powerful chip. If Apple decides to implement a processor on par with what’s found in its latest flagship models, the Watch SE could experience a significant performance boost.
Such an upgrade would enable the Watch SE to support more advanced features, like faster app performance, better battery life, and even new health-tracking capabilities. The potential addition of functions like ECG monitoring and the Always-On Display—previously reserved for higher-end models—could significantly raise the Watch SE’s value proposition, especially if the price remains around $249.
Why Apple’s Move to Plastic Makes Sense
Shifting the Watch SE to plastic is a logical progression for Apple, especially in a market where affordable smartwatches are increasingly in demand. Competitors like Fitbit and Garmin have long offered budget-friendly wearables with plastic designs, and Apple’s strategy appears to be about striking the right balance between cost, functionality, and appeal to a younger demographic.
With the global smartwatch market projected to grow significantly in the coming years, affordability is key to Apple maintaining its dominant position. A plastic Apple Watch SE could serve as the perfect gateway product for first-time smartwatch users, teenagers, or even those simply looking for an affordable, reliable fitness tracker.
Apple Watch SE: Positioned for 2025 and Beyond
The rumored plastic Apple Watch SE is poised to make a strong impact when it finally hits the market, likely in 2025. With a more affordable design, vibrant new colors, and improved internal components, this device will cater to both budget-conscious consumers and those looking for a simplified smartwatch experience without sacrificing essential features.
Apple’s continual push for innovation within its SE line shows that even its more affordable devices benefit from the company’s focus on performance and design. If the new Watch SE can deliver on its rumored improvements—especially in terms of durability, battery life, and functionality—it could easily become one of Apple’s best-selling wearables.
As we await more official details, one thing is clear: the future of the Apple Watch SE looks brighter than ever, with a plastic design that not only makes it more affordable but also gives it the versatility to appeal to a broader audience, from fitness enthusiasts to families. With new features potentially on the horizon, the next-generation Apple Watch SE is shaping up to be a powerful, cost-effective device that could redefine the smartwatch market once again.