Apple Watch SE will reportedly get a plastic makeover

Photo: Apple

Apple is reportedly planning a significant overhaul of its budget-friendly Apple Watch SE. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman's sources, the company will transition from an aluminum case to a plastic shell, a first for the series since its 2014 debut. This move is driven by a desire to reduce production costs and appeal to a wider audience, particularly children.

The switch to plastic is expected to cut manufacturing expenses in half, allowing Apple to potentially lower the SE's price point. This could make it more competitive with Samsung's offerings and appeal to parents seeking a cost-effective alternative to smartphones for their children, especially in light of recent school phone bans.

Beyond cost savings, plastic also enables a wider range of colours, making the SE more visually appealing and potentially more kid-friendly. Apple's recent marketing push, which emphasizes the watch's capabilities as a parental tool for staying connected and tracking children, aligns with this strategy.