# The Prospective Evolution of the Apple Watch SE: Moving to Plastic and Its Consequences
This past summer, news surfaced suggesting that Apple is experimenting with a new “rigid plastic” chassis for the forthcoming version of the Apple Watch SE. Initially expected to be announced at a recent Apple event, its launch has been postponed, leading to questions about the ramifications of this material transformation. While a plastic enclosure may dramatically lower manufacturing costs, it raises an important query: will this compromise prove beneficial for consumers?
## The Evolution of Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch SE first appeared in 2020, introduced alongside the Apple Watch Series 6. With a price tag of $279, it boasted the same display and aluminum casing as the Series 6 but lacked features like an Always-On Display and advanced health monitoring such as ECG tracking. Despite these shortcomings, the SE provided an appealing alternative to the pricier Series 6 and the obsolete Series 3.
In 2022, Apple updated the SE, reducing its starting price to $249. This version used the same chipset as the Series 8 and switched from a ceramic backing to a nylon composite material, effectively a type of plastic. While it still missed ECG capabilities or an Always-On Display, the revision made the Apple Watch more appealing to a wider user base.
## Apple Watch SE 3: What’s Different?
Recent revelations from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicate that the switch to rigid plastic for the next Apple Watch SE is becoming more probable. This change could pave the way for a broader spectrum of color options, enhancing the device’s allure for younger consumers. Although the new SE was not featured at Apple’s September event along with the Apple Watch Series 10, Gurman mentions it is still under development, encountering manufacturing hurdles related to the plastic transition.
The upcoming Apple Watch SE is likely to incorporate a more advanced processor, surpassing the S8 chip utilized in the Series 8, which would improve user performance. While other enhancements remain uncertain, the addition of ECG monitoring could prove to be a major advancement, considering its health-related advantages.
## Transitioning to Plastic: Potential Savings
The expected shift to a plastic casing might result in considerable manufacturing savings for Apple. However, it is unclear whether these savings will benefit consumers directly. Two possible pricing strategies may materialize:
1. **Keep Current Pricing with New Features**: Apple could retain the starting price at $249 while adding fresh features, such as ECG monitoring or an Always-On Display.
2. **Lower Pricing with Similar Features**: On the other hand, Apple might reduce the price to approximately $199 or $229, keeping the existing feature set intact.
There’s also the chance that the Apple Watch SE will stay at its present price without significant new features, although this scenario seems less plausible given the competitive market conditions. The SE holds a unique niche in Apple’s product range, particularly with regular discounts on older flagship models.
If the Apple Watch SE 3 adeptly balances cost-effectiveness with improved health features, it could strike a chord with consumers and generate robust sales upon its debut.
## Conclusion
As Apple maneuvers through the transition to a plastic casing for the Apple Watch SE, the ramifications for pricing and features are vital for consumers. The potential for a more budget-friendly, vibrant, and feature-rich device could position the next iteration of the Apple Watch SE as a notable contender in the wearable technology space.
Are you looking forward to the new Apple Watch models? What are your views on the move to a plastic casing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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