Last year, reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggested Apple was exploring a plastic casing for the Apple Watch SE to compete with budget-friendly rivals. Initially positioned as a potential “kid-friendly” device with vibrant color options, the project now appears to be in “serious jeopardy” due to manufacturing challenges.
Development Hurdles and Cost Issues
According to insider sources, Apple encountered significant obstacles in balancing cost and quality with the plastic casing. Despite expectations that plastic would reduce production expenses, the final design reportedly did not meet the company’s durability standards. Additionally, the cost savings were minimal compared to the aluminum used in current models.
A Brief History of Plastic Apple Products
Apple has previously experimented with plastic casings in products like the original iBook and the iPhone 5c. The latter, known for its colorful design, was marketed as a more affordable alternative to flagship iPhones. However, Apple has since moved away from plastic in its MacBook and iPhone lines, opting for premium materials like aluminum and glass.
What’s Next for the Apple Watch SE?
Unless Apple finds a way to resolve the plastic casing’s structural and financial limitations, the rumored plastic Watch SE may never reach consumers. For now, attention shifts to the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the existing aluminum-bodied SE model.
Industry analysts suggest that if Apple abandons the plastic SE, it may focus instead on refining its current lineup with incremental updates rather than introducing a new budget-tier design.
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