Apple's rumored kid-friendly plastic Apple Watch SE has hit some snags in development, pushing its potential release to 2025 at the earliest. The budget-focused wearable, aimed at younger users and first-time smartwatch buyers, is facing manufacturing hurdles as Apple transitions from aluminum to plastic casings.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is grappling with cost and quality issues in the shift to plastic materials. The tech giant's manufacturing teams are working diligently to overcome these challenges, but progress has been slower than anticipated. This setback explains the device's absence from Apple's recent product launches.
Key details about the plastic Apple Watch SE:
- Target audience: Children and budget-conscious consumers
- Casing material: Premium plastic (replacing aluminum)
- Potential features:
- Faster processor than current SE model
- More durable design for active kids
- Possibly lower price point
The move to plastic aligns with Apple's strategy to create a more affordable and kid-friendly smartwatch option. This comes at a time when many schools are restricting smartphone use, positioning smartwatches as a suitable alternative for keeping children connected.
While the plastic Apple Watch SE project continues to move forward, Apple is also reportedly considering a shift to a two-year upgrade cycle for its entire smartwatch lineup. This change could help address the lack of significant hardware upgrades between generations.
It's worth noting that Apple has explored using 3D printing for the plastic watch shells. However, current manufacturing capabilities are not yet ready to support this production method at scale.
For those eager to get their hands on a new Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Series 10 is set to release on September 20th. Budget-conscious buyers may want to keep an eye out for potential price drops on the Apple Watch Series 9 as retailers make room for the newer model.
As Apple works to expand its wearable offerings, the plastic Apple Watch SE represents an intriguing opportunity to reach a wider audience. However, the company will need to carefully balance affordability, quality, and features to make this new model a success in the competitive smartwatch market.