Apple Watch SE in 2025 may become plastic

In early summer, reports began to emerge that Apple was testing a new “hard plastic” case for the next-generation Apple Watch SE. It was first expected at last week's Apple event, but was unexpectedly delayed. Although a plastic case would certainly reduce costs, the question arises — will this deal be good for customers?

The Apple Watch SE Story

Apple introduced the Apple Watch SE in 2020 alongside the Apple Watch Series 6. It started at $279 and had the same display, aluminum body, and ceramic back as the Series 6. However, it lacked the Always On Display, used an older processor, and didn't support reading electrocardiogram (ECG). However, with the Apple Watch Series 6 starting at $399, it was still quite a bargain, especially compared to the aging Apple Watch Series 3, which Apple still sold for $199.

In 2022, Apple updated the Apple Watch SE, and its starting price dropped to $249, making it slightly cheaper than the previous model. In this model, Apple equipped it with the same chipset as the flagship Apple Watch Series 8, but also changed the ceramic back panel to a new material called “nylon composite”, also known as plastic. It still didn't support reading your electrocardiogram (ECG), and it didn't have the Always On Display, but it was a solid upgrade that made the Apple Watch more accessible to more people.

Apple Watch SE 3: What's new?

In a recent Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman confirmed the switch, noting that a switch to hard plastic is “increasingly likely.” Gurman also adds that it “could allow for better color choices,” making the watch more appealing to kids.

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While we didn't see the new Apple Watch SE at Apple's September event alongside the Apple Watch Series 10, Mark Gurman with Bloomberg says that it is still in development and could appear next year. Apple's manufacturing teams likely faced difficulties in the transition to plastic.

The next Apple Watch SE will likely get a new processor, different from the S8 used in the Apple Watch Series 8. Any upgrade will provide a noticeable speed boost for Apple Watch SE users.

Maybe we'll see other upgrades with the Apple Watch SE, but nothing else has been heard so far. It would be great if they could introduce the EKG as this technology really saves lives and it would be great if it were as widely available as possible.

The switch to plastic: the potential for savings

With Apple's switch to a plastic body, the company will clearly save on manufacturing, but it remains to be seen whether Apple will pass those savings on to consumers. I see two different paths for the future of the Apple Watch SE.

Option 1: Apple keeps the same price (starting at $249), but adds some extra features, such as the ability to check an electrocardiogram or an Always-On Display< /p>

Option 2: Apple lowers the price (perhaps to $199 or $229) and keeps most features unchanged

Of course, there's always the possibility that the Apple Watch SE will stay at its current price of $249, without any significant new features. However, I doubt that Apple will choose this approach. The Apple Watch SE is in an odd position at the moment, especially given the frequent deals on older flagship Apple Watch models.

If the Apple Watch SE 3 focuses on affordability or health features – or better yet, on both fronts, Apple is likely to be a big hit next year.