Final month, reviews began to emerge that Apple is testing a brand new “inflexible plastic” physique for the following era Apple Watch SE. Whereas this could undoubtedly cut 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). Nevertheless, with the Apple Watch Sequence 6 beginning at $399, it was nonetheless a reasonably 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 slightly 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, but it surely was a strong refresh that made the Apple Watch extra accessible to extra individuals.
Apple Watch SE 3: What’s new?
On this weekend’s Energy On publication, Mark Gurman reaffirms his report from final month, stating {that a} shift to inflexible plastic is “more and more seemingly.” Gurman additionally provides that it “might permit for a greater array of colours.”
Given the truth that the Apple Watch SE has been on a 2 12 months refresh cycle to date, this seemingly means we’ll see the third era Apple Watch SE subsequent month – alongside the brand new iPhone 16 lineup.
The subsequent Apple Watch SE will seemingly get a more moderen processor, both the S9 chip from final 12 months’s Apple Watch Sequence 9, or the brand new S10 chip from the upcoming Apple Watch Sequence 10. Both choice would offer a noticeable velocity improve for Apple Watch SE customers.
It’s potential that we’ll see different upgrades with the Apple Watch SE, however nothing else has been rumored to date. It’d be good if they might introduce the ECG, as that tech does save lives and it’d be nice if it have been as accessible as potential.
Switching to Plastic: Financial savings potential
With Apple seemingly switching to a plastic physique, Apple will clearly get monetary savings in manufacturing, nevertheless it stays to be seen if Apple will go these financial savings all the way down to prospects. I might see two totally different routes with the upcoming Apple Watch SE.
- Possibility 1: Apple retains the worth the identical (beginning at $249), however provides some extra options, equivalent to the power to examine your Electrocardiogram or an At all times-On Show
- Possibility 2: Apple reduces the worth (maybe $199 or $229), and retains the function set largely the identical
After all, there’s all the time the chance that the Apple Watch SE will stay at its present value of $249, with none important new options. Nevertheless, I doubt that Apple would take this method. The Apple Watch SE presently 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 seemingly have an enormous success on their fingers this 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 beneath.
FTC: We use revenue incomes auto affiliate hyperlinks. Extra.
