Apple’s next-generation Apple Watch SE could sport a chassis made from a hard plastic material, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Gurman’s comments came in his latest Power On Newsletter on Sunday.
Gurman says that it is “sounding increasingly likely” that the next-generation Apple Watch SE models could boast a chassis made of a rigid plastic material in place of the aluminum material used currently. Using plastic would keep costs down for the lowest-priced Apple Watch, and could also appeal to parents who are considering purchasing an Apple Watch SE for their children
Using plastic would also allow Apple to offer the Apple Watch SE in multiple bright colors, something that is not possible with aluminum. Apple used a plastic housing for its iPhone 5c, which was available in blue, yellow, pink, and green colors. The company could do something similar with the Apple Watch SE, making it more attractive to kids. Using a plastic chassis would also help differentiate the Apple Watch SE from the higher-price Apple Watch models.
The current Apple Watch SE sells for $250. Shifting to a plastic shell for the SE could allow Apple to offer the wearable at a lower price point to better compete with more reasonably priced smartwatches offered by other companies.
Although Apple has not yet officially announced the release of a next-generation iPhone SE, it could be refreshed as soon as this year.
