Earlier this summer time, stories began to emerge that Apple is testing a brand new “inflexible plastic” physique for the subsequent era Apple Watch SE. It was initially anticipated ultimately week’s Apple occasion, however unexpectedly obtained delayed. Whereas a plastic casing would undoubtedly scale back prices, it begs the query – will this tradeoff be price it for patrons?
The historical past of Apple Watch SE
Apple launched the Apple Watch SE in 2020, alongside the Apple Watch Sequence 6. It began at $279, with the identical show, aluminum casing, and ceramic again because the Sequence 6. It did lack miss out an At all times-On Show, used an older processor, and in addition lacked help for studying your electrocardiogram (ECG). Nonetheless, with the Apple Watch Sequence 6 beginning at $399, it was nonetheless a fairly whole lot, particularly in comparison with the archaic Apple Watch Sequence 3 that Apple nonetheless bought for $199.
In 2022, Apple refreshed the Apple Watch SE, and it began at $249 – making it a bit of bit cheaper than the prior mannequin. With this mannequin, Apple up to date it to make use of the identical chipset because the flagship Apple Watch Sequence 8, but additionally modified from a ceramic backing to a brand new “nylon composite” materials, in any other case generally known as plastic. It nonetheless didn’t add help for studying your ECG, nor did they add an At all times-On Show, however it was a strong refresh that made the Apple Watch extra accessible to extra folks.
Apple Watch SE 3: What’s new?
In a more moderen Energy On publication, Mark Gurman reaffirmed the change, stating {that a} shift to inflexible plastic is “more and more possible.” Gurman additionally provides that it “might enable for a greater array of colours”, making it extra child pleasant.
Though we didn’t see the brand new Apple Watch SE at Apple’s September occasion alongside the Apple Watch Sequence 10, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says that it’s nonetheless in improvement, doubtlessly for subsequent 12 months. Apple’s manufacturing groups apparently had challenges with the change to plastic.
The subsequent Apple Watch SE will possible get a more recent processor as nicely, up from the S8 chip shared with the Apple Watch Sequence 8. Any improve would supply an honest velocity improve for Apple Watch SE customers.
It’s attainable that we’ll see different upgrades with the Apple Watch SE, however nothing else has been rumored up to now. It’d be good if they might introduce the ECG, as that tech does save lives and it’d be nice if it had been as accessible as attainable.
Switching to Plastic: Financial savings potential
With Apple possible switching to a plastic physique, Apple will clearly get monetary savings in manufacturing, nevertheless it stays to be seen if Apple will cross these financial savings all the way down to prospects. I might see two completely different routes with the upcoming Apple Watch SE.
- Possibility 1: Apple retains the worth the identical (beginning at $249), however provides some further options, resembling the flexibility to test your Electrocardiogram or an At all times-On Show
- Possibility 2: Apple reduces the worth (maybe $199 or $229), and retains the characteristic set largely the identical
After all, there’s at all times the chance that the Apple Watch SE will stay at its present value of $249, with none important new options. Nonetheless, I doubt that Apple would take this strategy. The Apple Watch SE at present occupies a bizarre place, particularly contemplating the frequent offers accessible for older flagship Apple Watch fashions.
If the Apple Watch SE 3 focuses on both affordability or extra well being options – or higher but each, Apple will possible have a giant success on their palms subsequent 12 months.
Are you wanting ahead to the upcoming Apple Watch fashions? Do you hate the concept of a plastic Apple Watch? Tell us within the feedback under.
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