A project to produce a plastic version of the Apple Watch SE, aimed at kids, appears to be stalled due to design and cost issues. Initially, Bloomberg reported that Apple planned to use hard plastic instead of aluminum for the next-generation Apple Watch SE, which would have made it cheaper. However, this plan is now in doubt.
The current Apple Watch SE retails for $249, making a more affordable version with a plastic casing a potential market opportunity. The company has been exploring alternative materials that are more recyclable and environmentally friendly. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that a new version of the Apple Watch SE would ship before the end of 2025.
The proposed plastic version faced criticism from the design team, who were unhappy with its appearance. Additionally, the cost of producing a plastic casing is not significantly lower than the current metal and nylon version, making it less viable. It’s unclear if Apple will be able to overcome these challenges in time for a new version to debut by late 2025.
The long-standing rumor of a cheaper, plastic version of the Apple Watch SE could be aimed at parents seeking an affordable option for their children. A plastic casing with basic features and easy location tracking for parents could make it a useful accessory for kids. However, without a concrete plan, it’s difficult to predict when or if this project will move forward.
Source: https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/03/23/apple-may-be-reconsidering-a-plastic-version-of-the-apple-watch-se