Apple should also be abandoning plans to manufacture the Apple Watch SE in plastic-based materials, according to the report. The move follows Google’s continued push to find a balance between its premium perception and its willingness to adopt more cost-effective solutions. The Apple Watch SE debuted in 2020 and returned in 2022. At first, people speculated it would be made out of plastic to reduce manufacturing costs and offer consumers a lower-priced option. But Apple hasn’t publicly announced anything about when the Apple Watch SE would be discontinued.
Cost-Cutting Measures Abandoned
Apple first approached using plastic for the Apple Watch SE as a cost-saving production measure. This choice was made to help keep the product accessible and affordable for consumers. This nimble move might have allowed Apple to bring out the first affordable option in its burgeoning wearable ecosystem. It would have been just like their hugely successful play on the iPhone 5C. Last fall, Apple took its first shot at building a budget smartphone with the iPhone 5C. So they made this possible by choosing plastic as an exterior body material. This had come under fire with the Apple Watch SE for its use of plastic. Due to this backlash, Apple moved to do a complete overhaul of its plans.
Historical Context and Market Strategy
This is not the first time Apple has ventured away from plastic in its product line. Back in 2013, the tech giant took another route when it introduced the iPhone 5C. To achieve this, they designed it around being the cheaper alternative, leveraging plastics to reduce cost. This move was in lock step with Apple’s larger strategy of providing more budget versions without settling on performance. The new Apple Watch SE gets the same S9 SiP that’s inside the rest of the current-generation devices. At the same time, it repurposes materials from other, more sustainable wearables.
Along with the Nokia 1020, the plastic-bodied eventual launch of the iPhone 5C received raves for being price-friendly. Today, rumors of a plastic Apple Watch SE have sparked heated discussions among consumers and industry watchers. Durability issues were a cause for positivity and the premium proprietary feel that is typically connected to Apple’s products. The company is today rumored to be testing new material alternatives. Perhaps most interesting is their desire to find alternatives which can replace aluminum’s cost with something cheaper but equally distinctive to Apple’s brand persona.
Future Prospects and Speculation
As discussions continue, speculation abounds regarding the materials that may be used in future iterations of the Apple Watch SE. Apple has made a commitment to phase out plastic altogether. The company could use different metals, which would achieve the cost savings while still allowing the company to maintain its product quality. This strategic move reflects Apple’s continued push to innovate and reinvigorate their business in the fast-paced, ultra-competitive technology sector.
Unfortunately for enthusiasts chomping at the bit to hear more, Apple isn’t sharing any details with us just yet about the upcoming 9th gen Apple Watch SE. The industry awaits official announcements that will likely clarify Apple's direction regarding materials and pricing strategies for its budget-friendly wearable devices.
