Apple’s next-gen Watch SE poised to drop aluminum build

According to a report, Apple is working on a new iteration of the affordable Apple Watch SE that will be made from plastic instead of aluminum.

The Apple Watch SE, which is the most affordable smartwatch offered by Apple, is reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman to be undergoing changes in order to become even more budget-friendly. Gurman disclosed that the company is currently developing an ‌Apple Watch SE‌ model that will incorporate a rigid plastic exterior rather than the existing anodized aluminum one.

Gurman anticipated that Apple’s decision to incorporate plastic into the upcoming Watch SE was motivated by a desire to reduce its price and better compete with other brands. While the current ‌Apple Watch SE‌ is priced at $249, Samsung’s most affordable rival watch, the Galaxy Watch FE, is currently priced at $199.

Apple Watch SE in all color options — Apple

“According to Gurman, the company is currently developing a new iteration of its affordable Apple Watch SE, which was last revised in 2022. The company has explored the possibility of replacing the aluminum casing with a more durable plastic material.”

According to Apple, the Apple Watch SE is currently manufactured using 100% recycled aluminum. As a metal, aluminum is known for its strength and durability, making it a more reliable material than plastic. This suggests that the upcoming watch may have fewer potential durability issues.

According to the report, no additional information was provided regarding the expected release date of the alleged Apple Watch FE. However, Gurman also disclosed that the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 will both be equipped with a new processor that will replace the previous year’s S9 chip.

According to Gurman’s report, the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 will have a bigger display, but will not include the anticipated hypertension and sleep apnea detection features. These features were originally planned for release this year, but Gurman stated that the development process has encountered significant challenges and obstacles.