Apple’s bold plan to launch a cheaper, kid-friendly Apple Watch SE with a plastic body is now facing major hurdles. What seemed like a simple way to lower costs has turned into a complex challenge. The project is struggling with design and cost issues, raising doubts about its future.

Apple’s idea of launching a plastic version of the Apple Watch SE isn’t going as smoothly as expected. The goal was to create a more budget-friendly option, but the project has hit some major roadblocks.

According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg,

“The design team doesn’t like the look, and the operations team is finding it difficult to make the casing materially cheaper than the current aluminium chassis.” 

The Idea Behind a Plastic Apple Watch SE

The Apple Watch SE has been Apple’s go-to solution for users wanting an Apple Watch experience without a premium price tag. The first-generation SE was launched in 2020, while the second-generation watch was launched in 2022, featuring a faster chip and crash detection while keeping the original design largely unchanged.

Reports have suggested that the current model priced at $249, uses an aluminium chassis that costs around $5 per unit. A plastic version, projected to cost roughly half that, was expected to pave the way for a price drop to around $200. The change would have marked the first use of plastic in an Apple Watch since the original debuted in 2015, potentially making it more affordable for buyers.

Apart from advertising for cost reasons, the speculation said plastic would be made in brisk colours to appeal to younger buyers. The Watch SE has been marketed by Apple as a kid-friendly alternative to smartphones, especially in response to bans on phones in school.

Why the Plastic Model May Not Happen

Despite initial excitement around a more affordable Apple Watch SE, Gurman now reports that the project is “in serious jeopardy.” The main reasons?

  • The design team isn’t happy with how the plastic version looks. Apple has a reputation for premium design, and a cheaper material may not align with its brand image.
  • The operations team is struggling to make the plastic casing significantly cheaper than aluminium. If the cost savings aren’t substantial, Apple may not see a strong reason to proceed.

These hurdles raise the question: If plastic doesn’t significantly reduce costs or maintain Apple’s design standards, is it worth the change?

What Was the Plastic Apple Watch SE Expected to Offer?

While Apple hasn’t officially announced the plastic model, leaks and reports suggested it would include:

  • A Retina LTPO OLED display for bright and sharp visuals
  • S8 chip for smooth performance and efficiency
  • 40mm and 44mm sizes
  • Optional cellular upgrade
  • Family Setup features for parental tracking and communication

If the plastic version had launched, it would have been the first Apple Watch to feature plastic since the original 2015 model. However, with these challenges, its release now seems unlikely.

What’s Next For The Apple Watch SE?

With the second-generation Apple Watch SE now over two years old, a refresh is due. However, if the plastic model gets scrapped, Apple may stick with aluminium for the next SE update.

Whether Apple finds a way to move forward with plastic or decides to refine the aluminium version instead, the company will need to bring something new to the SE lineup to keep it relevant. For now, all eyes are on Apple to see whether this rumoured model will ever see the light of day.