Why a plastic Apple Watch SE could possibly be Apple’s subsequent huge hit

Pricing has all the time been Apple’s weak spot. Whereas the corporate is commonly considered as a premium model, CEO Tim Cook dinner has labored exhausting to broaden Apple’s product lineup to fulfill a broader vary of shopper value factors. The product that represents this shift finest is the Apple Watch SE. First unveiled in September 2020, the now $249 wearable has been a fairly inexpensive method for shoppers to get into the Apple Watch ecosystem. Whereas the second-generation Apple Watch SE would not supply an always-on show, ECG, or quick charging, its low value level is a worthwhile trade-off for a lot of.

Just lately, experiences have begun to pop up suggesting that the third-generation Apple Watch SE might swap to a plastic casing. This prompted me to marvel: Does a plastic Apple Watch make sense?

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Apple’s historical past with plastic and different supplies

Materials experimentation

Apple / Pocket-lint

The Apple Watch has change into considerably of a playground for Apple’s designers to experiment with new supplies. The present Series 9, SE, and each earlier mannequin because the authentic function an aluminum enclosure. The Apple Watch Collection 9 additionally is available in a stainless-steel casing for a premium value. Ceramic has been utilized in earlier Collection fashions, whereas the Apple Watch Extremely is manufactured from titanium. Plus, who might neglect the infamous 18-karat gold authentic Apple Watch mentioned to have been gifted to extra celebrities than ever bought.

That is all to say that Apple’s designers get pleasure from working with new supplies. Outdoors of Macs that used to make use of plastic enclosures usually till the corporate switched totally to aluminum, essentially the most notable Apple product to make use of plastic was the iPhone 5C. Basically equivalent to the earlier the corporate’s 2012 flagship, the iPhone 5, the iPhone 5C solely had one distinction, its colourful polycarbonate (plastic) enclosure, which got here in blue, pink, inexperienced, white, and yellow. As of late, Apple has been fairly muted with its colours. Regardless that the iPhone 15, iPad, iPad Air, and iMac all have coloured choices, they give the impression of being as if the corporate is attempting to chop prices by saving on ink.

That is all to say that what made the iPhone 5C distinctive is its enjoyable, eye-popping colours. Shade is one thing lacking from Apple’s lineup, not less than in a extra vibrant method. The iPhone 5C’s plastic enclosure additionally made it considerably sturdy and fairly mild. The colourful telephone is commonly regarded again on as a horrible machine, principally from its time being bought as an 8GB mannequin. Nonetheless, its plastic enclosure shouldn’t be one thing experimented with once more, which is unlucky.

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Ought to Apple make a plastic Apple Watch SE?

Most likely

Pocket-lint

Ought to Apple make a plastic Apple Watch SE, because the rumors counsel they might? This can be a enjoyable query to ask. Plastic gives many benefits. Essentially the most vital and sure important driver is its decrease value than aluminum. Plastic might assist Apple decrease the value of the SE even additional or, at worst, maintain the value the identical. A lowered value level makes the Apple Watch extra engaging as a present for youngsters and individuals who solely need a health tracker, not a vogue piece.

Plastic can also be lighter making it, once more, higher for each these shoppers. Hopefully, plastic would additionally imply extra enjoyable colours, permitting individuals to precise their personalities on their wrists. Mixed with a colourful Apple Watch strap, individuals might make some distinctive mixtures. As an Apple Watch Extremely wearer and a large fan of Stainless Metal (sure, over titanium), I would not be available in the market for a plastic Apple Watch. Nonetheless, I might see myself recommending it typically if it ever involves actuality.

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