A report from Bloomberg last year indicated that Apple was exploring the possibility of creating a plastic version of the Apple Watch SE to lower manufacturing expenses. However, it appears that the company has abandoned the idea of altering the material for this entry-level Apple Watch, which, in my opinion, should always maintain a metal construction.
The Controversial Plastic Apple Watch SE
The initial report from July 2024 detailed Apple’s intentions to replace the aluminum casing of the Apple Watch SE with “hard plastic.” This shift was aimed at cutting production costs, which could either enhance Apple’s profit margins or lower the retail price for consumers.
Predictably, this concept faced considerable backlash. Many felt that a plastic Apple Watch would convey a “cheap” appearance, even for an “SE” model. Conversely, some argued that plastic could be a suitable option for parents wanting to gift an Apple Watch to their children.
The existing Apple Watch SE, crafted from aluminum, retails for $249 directly from Apple but can be found as low as $169 on Amazon. This makes it a fantastic bargain for a metal constructed Apple Watch. Personally, I believe that the potential price cut from $249 to $199 wouldn’t justify a transition from metal to plastic.
If we reflect on 2013, when Apple unveiled the iPhone 5c, many consumers were unimpressed by a plastic iPhone at a time when they were accustomed to glass and metal devices. Since then, Apple has not produced another plastic iPhone.
I understand the appeal of a “children’s Apple Watch,” but the Apple Watch SE represents more than just that. Many individuals purchase the Apple Watch SE due to its resemblance to other Apple Watches and its inclusion of essential watchOS features at a significantly lower cost. Once again, I don’t believe this trade-off is justifiable.
Fortunately, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported recently that Apple may have abandoned the idea of a plastic model. His sources indicate that the design team at Apple “is not fond of the appearance” of a plastic watch, while the operations team concluded that the savings from switching to plastic would be minimal.
What do you think? Would you be interested in an Apple Watch constructed from plastic? Share your opinions in the comment section below.
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