Earlier this summer time, experiences began to emerge that Apple is testing a brand new “inflexible plastic” physique for the subsequent era Apple Watch SE. It was initially anticipated eventually week’s Apple occasion, however unexpectedly received delayed. Whereas a plastic casing would undoubtedly cut back prices, it begs the query – will this tradeoff be price 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 reasonably 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 slightly 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 known as 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 stable refresh that made the Apple Watch extra accessible to extra individuals.
Apple Watch SE 3: What’s new?
In a newer Energy On e-newsletter, Mark Gurman reaffirmed the change, stating {that a} shift to inflexible plastic is “more and more probably.” Gurman additionally provides that it “may enable for a greater array of colours”, making it extra child pleasant.
Though we didn’t see the brand new Apple Watch SE at Apple’s September occasion alongside the Apple Watch Sequence 10, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says that it’s nonetheless in growth, doubtlessly for subsequent 12 months. Apple’s manufacturing groups apparently had challenges with the change to plastic.
The subsequent Apple Watch SE will probably get a more recent processor as effectively, up from the S8 chip shared with the Apple Watch Sequence 8. Any improve would supply an honest velocity improve for Apple Watch SE customers.
It’s attainable that we’ll see different upgrades with the Apple Watch SE, however nothing else has been rumored to date. It’d be good if they might introduce the ECG, as that tech does save lives and it’d be nice if it had been as accessible as attainable.
Switching to Plastic: Financial savings potential
With Apple probably switching to a plastic physique, Apple will clearly get monetary savings in manufacturing, nevertheless it stays to be seen if Apple will cross these financial savings right down to clients. I may see two completely different routes with the upcoming Apple Watch SE.
- Choice 1: Apple retains the worth the identical (beginning at $249), however provides some further options, resembling the flexibility to examine your Electrocardiogram or an All the time-On Show
- Choice 2: Apple reduces the worth (maybe $199 or $229), and retains the characteristic set largely the identical
In fact, there’s at all times 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 method. The Apple Watch SE presently 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 probably have a giant success on their fingers subsequent 12 months.
Are you wanting ahead to the upcoming Apple Watch fashions? Do you hate the concept of a plastic Apple Watch? Tell us within the feedback beneath.
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