Apple Watch SE might also undergo a serious design remake. The aluminium casing might be replaced with plastic to make this model more affordable. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this move could further lower the base price of the SE device, making it very attractive to budget-conscious smartwatch enthusiasts.
Now, at $249, the Apple Watch SE is priced above some of this week’s entrants into the smartwatch category. For example, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch starts at $199. A plastic build is what Apple needs to bridge that gap and really push the SE out into the masses.
This change in material would be familiar to the Apple Watch SE. The 2022 model already uses nylon composite material at the back cast. Substituting an aluminium frame with some rigid plastic equivalent should drastically reduce the production cost without affecting the core functionality.
This price cut could be in line with Apple’s more recent attempts to penetrate the market deeper. With a more affordable product, Apple can gain more customers and help solidify its position in an increasingly competitive smartwatch space.
Aligning with Budget-Friendly Competition
The Apple Watch SE’s use of plastic helps the company be more competitive against pocket-friendly smartwatches offered by rivals like Samsung. For instance, the starting price of the Galaxy Watch FE is $199 — $50 less than that at which the current Apple Watch SE is sold.
Apple could sell the SE more competitively by cutting production costs by using plastic, however. That would bring the price down to at least match, if not outmatch, most rivals. This feature-laden Apple Watch SE would be all the more compelling to those with less money to spend but still have some of the Continental features available through Apple’s ecosystem.
Apple Watch’ Upkeep of Quality and Sustainability Commitments
Although it is now made of plastic, Apple has reiterated its goal of continuing to provide better products that focus on value for the consumer. Across generations, Apple has infused the models of smartwatches with high-grade materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, ceramic, and titanium.
Whether the material used in the rear case will also transition in this upcoming model or how Apple will find ways to implement still and deliver a high feel and finish is yet to be seen. Another important consideration in the design process would have been the focus on sustainability through the use of recycled materials.
Increase Accessibility and Market Reach
A potential redesign of the Apple Watch SE could be done to balance affordability with quality in order for it to stay relevant and catch up with other smartwatches available today. Including plastic in the design of the device can make the offer more accessible to different consumers who, until now, remained outside the Apple Watch ecosystem due to its high pricing. The move aligns with Apple’s broader efforts at increasing the spread of markets and providing budget-friendly options across its product lineup. This could be a big part of what opens the Apple Watch experience up to the greater audience: plastic-cased Apple Watches.
