At its recent iPhone 16 launch event, Apple also announced new Watch Series 10 models along with a new color option for the Watch Ultra 2, which also got a new Milanese Loop band made of titanium. What we didn’t see was a new Apple Watch SE model (the brand’s affordable series), which hasn’t been updated since 2022. According to previous reports, Apple’s new Watch SE model with a plastic body is still in development. It is said to be more affordable than the existing 2022 model and will reportedly be launched next year.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is still working on a plastic Watch SE model, as reported in an earlier edition of their PowerOne newsletter. While the previous report only highlighted the existence of such a model, this one gives us more details about why it exists along with subtle hints about its target audience.
Gurman says in his latest PowerOn newsletter that a new Apple Watch SE model with a plastic body (or case) is still in development. It’s unclear whether this will be the only model to see the light of day or whether Apple will launch a standard metal-bodied version of the watch alongside it. The source is certain that this plastic model will have “bold colors” reminiscent of 2013’s iPhone 5c, which took a similar approach in delivering an affordable iPhone.
However, times are changing and Gurman says Apple may be looking at a much younger audience with its colorful new Apple Watch SE models. An affordable watch might also be a good idea in US schools, which have started banning smartphones during school hours. Therefore, an affordable Apple Watch (with cellular connectivity, of course) could become a very attractive option for school-age children.
While the Plastic Watch SE model is still in development, things are moving forward and the source says it will likely launch next year. The change to plastic has also created some quality issues, but this is all expected to accelerate once Apple completes the transition to titanium for its premium models.
Gurman says the Plastics Watch SE will also include a “processor jump,” though it’s unclear what processor the new model will use. The current Apple Watch SE (2022) was launched with a dual-core Apple S8 SiP. The Apple Watch Series 8 models have the same processor, but with a larger display/case option (with always-on), sapphire crystal glass, and the ability to record electrocardiogram (ECG) readings.
