Apple’s rumored plan to redesign the Apple Watch SE with a plastic casing is reportedly in “jeopardy,” according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Citing internal sources, Gurman claims Apple’s design team is dissatisfied with the look of the plastic model, while the operations team is struggling to make the casing meaningfully cheaper than the current aluminum version.
Gurman first reported on the potential shift to plastic last year, noting that the change was aimed at reducing production costs and making the device more appealing — and affordable — for younger users. A plastic chassis could allow Apple to offer the Watch SE in a range of vibrant colors, reminiscent of the iPhone 5c, which launched in bold hues like blue, pink, green, and yellow.
However, despite the potential benefits, the redesign now appears unlikely to move forward. Design quality concerns and cost inefficiencies have reportedly stalled the effort, casting doubt on whether a plastic Apple Watch SE will ever reach the market.
Image: Apple
The current Apple Watch SE, released in 2022, starts at $249 in the U.S. A plastic version was expected to come in at a lower price point, potentially making it a more attractive option for families or first-time smartwatch users. It remains unclear whether Apple will still pursue a kid-focused model in a future iteration.
