Apple Watch SE would possibly turn out to be plastic in just some days

Earlier this summer time, reviews began to emerge that Apple is testing a brand new “inflexible plastic” physique for the subsequent era Apple Watch SE. Whereas this could undoubtedly cut back prices, it begs the query – will this tradeoff be value it for patrons?

The historical past of Apple Watch SE

Apple launched the Apple Watch SE in 2020, alongside the Apple Watch Sequence 6. It began at $279, with the identical show, aluminum casing, and ceramic again because the Sequence 6. It did lack miss out an All the time-On Show, used an older processor, and likewise lacked help for studying your electrocardiogram (ECG). Nevertheless, with the Apple Watch Sequence 6 beginning at $399, it was nonetheless a fairly whole lot, particularly in comparison with the archaic Apple Watch Sequence 3 that Apple nonetheless offered for $199.

In 2022, Apple refreshed the Apple Watch SE, and it began at $249 – making it somewhat bit cheaper than the prior mannequin. With this mannequin, Apple up to date it to make use of the identical chipset because the flagship Apple Watch Sequence 8, but additionally modified from a ceramic backing to a brand new “nylon composite” materials, in any other case often called plastic. It nonetheless didn’t add help for studying your ECG, nor did they add an All the time-On Show, nevertheless it was a strong refresh that made the Apple Watch extra accessible to extra individuals.

Apple Watch SE 3: What’s new?

In a more moderen Energy On publication, Mark Gurman reaffirmed the swap, stating {that a} shift to inflexible plastic is “more and more possible.” Gurman additionally provides that it “might permit for a greater array of colours.”

We must be seeing this new plastic Apple Watch at Apple’s annual iPhone keynote on September ninth, based on Gurman’s report from Friday:

For the primary time in two years, the corporate is making ready to replace all of its Apple Watch fashions directly. There will probably be a brand new low-end Apple Watch SE, a mid-level Sequence 10 mannequin and an Extremely 3.

The subsequent Apple Watch SE will possible get a more recent processor, both the S9 chip from final 12 months’s Apple Watch Sequence 9, or the brand new S10 chip from the upcoming Apple Watch Sequence 10. Both possibility would offer a noticeable velocity improve for Apple Watch SE customers.

It’s potential that we’ll see different upgrades with the Apple Watch SE, however nothing else has been rumored thus far. It’d be good if they might introduce the ECG, as that tech does save lives and it’d be nice if it have been as accessible as potential.

Switching to Plastic: Financial savings potential

With Apple possible switching to a plastic physique, Apple will clearly get monetary savings in manufacturing, nonetheless it stays to be seen if Apple will go these financial savings all the way down to prospects. I might see two totally different routes with the upcoming Apple Watch SE.

• Choice 1: Apple retains the worth the identical (beginning at $249), however provides some extra options, corresponding to the flexibility to verify your Electrocardiogram or an All the time-On Show
• Choice 2: Apple reduces the worth (maybe $199 or $229), and retains the function set principally the identical

In fact, there’s all the time the chance that the Apple Watch SE will stay at its present worth of $249, with none vital new options. Nevertheless, I doubt that Apple would take this strategy. The Apple Watch SE at present occupies a bizarre place, particularly contemplating the frequent offers accessible for older flagship Apple Watch fashions.

If the Apple Watch SE 3 focuses on both affordability or extra well being options – or higher but each, Apple will possible have an enormous success on their fingers this 12 months.

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