Apple Watch SE Revamp: A New Plastic Casing and Lower Price on the Horizon?

Hey Apple fans! If you’ve been eyeing the Apple Watch SE but holding out for a more budget-friendly option, you might be in luck. According to a recent report from the ever-reliable Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to revamp its low-cost Apple Watch SE with a plastic casing. This would be the first time since the original Apple Watch debuted that the company has used plastic for its smartwatch. Let’s dive into what this could mean for the future of the Apple Watch SE and why it might be a great choice for you (or your kids!).

A Shift from Aluminum to Plastic

Currently, the Apple Watch SE comes with an aluminum casing—a material that’s lightweight, durable, and familiar to many Apple users. But if the rumors are true, Apple could be switching to a plastic casing for the next iteration of the SE. Why the change? It’s all about cutting costs.

The aluminum case of the current Apple Watch SE is estimated to cost around $5 per unit. A plastic case, on the other hand, could be as low as half that cost. While the savings on materials might not seem huge, they could contribute to a significant price drop. Gurman suggests that this move could help bring the price of the Apple Watch SE down from its current $249 to around $200—a more accessible price point for many buyers.

Why Plastic Could Be a Smart Move

So, why would Apple choose plastic over aluminum? Besides the potential cost savings, there are a few other reasons why this might be a smart move.

1. Bold, Kid-Friendly Colors: Plastic allows for brighter, bolder colors than aluminum, making the watch more appealing to younger users. If you’ve got kids, this could be a big plus. Apple has been shifting its marketing recently to appeal more to parents, especially with the rise of school phone bans. By promoting the Apple Watch as a low-cost phone alternative, Apple is positioning the SE as a perfect way for parents to stay in touch with their children and keep track of their whereabouts.

2. Durability and Affordability: Plastic is often more durable when it comes to drops and bumps, which is great news if you’re buying for a younger user. Plus, a lower price point makes it easier to replace if anything does go wrong. The combination of a durable material, bright colors, and a more affordable price could make the revamped Apple Watch SE a popular choice for families.

A New Look and Feel

Switching to plastic could also open the door for new design possibilities. While aluminum has a sleek, premium feel, plastic can be more versatile in terms of color and texture. This could mean a more playful, personalized look for the Apple Watch SE, making it even more attractive to a wider audience.

And let’s not forget that a plastic case doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Apple is known for its attention to detail and high standards, so you can bet that any new material they introduce will be up to their usual excellent standard.

Should You Wait or Buy Now?

If you’re considering buying an Apple Watch SE, you might be wondering if you should hold out for the new model or go ahead and grab the current one. Here’s something to think about: the current aluminum model is on sale today for just $189, which is $60 off its list price of $249. If you’re not too concerned about having the absolute latest version, this could be a great deal.

On the other hand, if you’re excited about the possibility of new colors, a lower price, or a more kid-friendly design, it might be worth waiting to see what Apple has in store.

Wrapping It Up

The potential revamp of the Apple Watch SE with a plastic casing is an exciting development, especially for those looking for a more affordable, versatile option. Whether you’re a parent looking for a smartwatch for your child or just someone who loves the idea of bold new colors, this upcoming model could be a great fit.

As always with Apple, we’ll have to wait for the official announcement to see exactly what they have planned. But if Gurman’s report is anything to go by, the next Apple Watch SE could be the most fun—and affordable—one yet!