Why a plastic Apple Watch SE might be Apple’s subsequent massive hit

Key Takeaways

Apple Watch SE represents the corporate’s shift to satisfy numerous worth factors.
The third-generation Apple Watch SE might use a plastic casing.
Plastic casing might make the Apple Watch extra inexpensive.

Pricing has all the time been Apple’s weak spot. Whereas the corporate is usually considered as a premium model, CEO Tim Prepare dinner has labored exhausting to increase Apple’s product lineup to satisfy a broader vary of client worth factors. The product that represents this shift greatest is the Apple Watch SE. First unveiled in September 2020, the now $249 wearable has been a fairly inexpensive method for customers to get into the Apple Watch ecosystem. Whereas the second-generation Apple Watch SE would not supply an always-on show, ECG, or quick charging, its low worth level is a worthwhile trade-off for a lot of.

Lately, stories have begun to pop up suggesting that the third-generation Apple Watch SE might swap to a plastic casing. This prompted me to marvel: Does a plastic Apple Watch make sense?

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Apple’s historical past with plastic and different supplies

Materials experimentation

The iPhone 5C being revealed at an Apple keynote.

Apple / Pocket-lint

The Apple Watch has grow to be considerably of a playground for Apple’s designers to experiment with new supplies. The present Series 9, SE, and each earlier mannequin for the reason that unique function an aluminum enclosure. The Apple Watch Collection 9 additionally is available in a stainless-steel casing for a premium worth. Ceramic has been utilized in earlier Collection fashions, whereas the Apple Watch Extremely is made from titanium. Plus, who might overlook the infamous 18-karat gold unique Apple Watch stated to have been gifted to extra celebrities than ever offered.

The Apple Watch has grow to be considerably of a playground for Apple’s designers to experiment with new supplies.

That is all to say that Apple’s designers take pleasure in working with new supplies. Exterior of Macs that used to make use of plastic enclosures frequently till the corporate switched fully to aluminum, probably the most notable Apple product to make use of plastic was the iPhone 5C. Primarily equivalent to the earlier the corporate’s 2012 flagship, the iPhone 5, the iPhone 5C solely had one distinction, its colourful polycarbonate (plastic) enclosure, which got here in blue, pink, inexperienced, white, and yellow. As of late, Apple has been fairly muted with its colours. Though the iPhone 15, iPad, iPad Air, and iMac all have coloured choices, they give the impression of being as if the corporate is attempting to chop prices by saving on ink.

That is all to say that what made the iPhone 5C distinctive is its enjoyable, eye-popping colours. Coloration is one thing lacking from Apple’s lineup, not less than in a extra vibrant method. The iPhone 5C’s plastic enclosure additionally made it considerably sturdy and fairly gentle. The colourful telephone is usually regarded again on as a horrible system, principally from its time being offered as an 8GB mannequin. Nonetheless, its plastic enclosure shouldn’t be one thing experimented with once more, which is unlucky.

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Ought to Apple make a plastic Apple Watch SE?

In all probability

The Smart Stack on the Apple Watch Series 9 over a yellow background.

Pocket-lint

Ought to Apple make a plastic Apple Watch SE, because the rumors recommend they could? It is a enjoyable query to ask. Plastic affords many benefits. Essentially the most vital and sure fundamental driver is its decrease value than aluminum. Plastic might assist Apple decrease the worth of the SE even additional or, at worst, preserve the worth the identical. A diminished worth level makes the Apple Watch extra enticing as a present for kids and individuals who solely need a health tracker, not a vogue piece.

Plastic can be lighter making it, once more, higher for each these customers. Hopefully, plastic would additionally imply extra enjoyable colours, permitting individuals to precise their personalities on their wrists. Mixed with a colourful Apple Watch strap, individuals might make some distinctive combos. As an Apple Watch Extremely wearer and a large fan of Stainless Metal (sure, over titanium), I would not be available in the market for a plastic Apple Watch. Nonetheless, I might see myself recommending it typically if it ever involves actuality.