Apple has historically been cautious about incorporating plastic in its product designs. The use of plastic often detracts from the overall aesthetics of a device and is generally less durable compared to premium materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium alloy. Typically, plastic is only considered when a company aims to cut manufacturing costs. Recent reports suggest that the California-based tech giant may be contemplating this strategy for its upcoming Apple Watch SE.
Sources indicate that the design team behind the Apple Watch SE is not pleased with the potential shift to a plastic chassis. According to insiders, the team feels they have little choice in this matter. Currently, the plastic version of the Apple Watch SE is priced similarly to its metal counterpart, which has raised concerns among the designers about the device's overall aesthetics and quality.
Mark Gurman, a well-known analyst at Bloomberg, noted in his ‘Power On’ newsletter that moving to a plastic chassis might be the only viable option if Apple wants to offer a more affordable version of the Apple Watch SE. This transition is crucial for Apple to remain competitive in a market where pricing can significantly influence consumer decisions.
As reported by AppleInsider, the design team has encountered challenges regarding both the cost and the appearance of the Apple Watch SE. The proposed plastic variant is expected to be priced similarly to the metal version, which has caused frustration among designers who are concerned about the smartwatch's visual appeal.
Unfortunately, if Apple aims to lower the price of the Apple Watch SE, switching to a plastic chassis may be the only feasible solution left. While higher-end models of the Apple Watch have previously seen a surge in shipments, those numbers are beginning to decline. This drop may be attributed to a lack of significant improvements in subsequent models, as Apple has not introduced many new features or enhanced battery life.
Despite these challenges, Apple appears to be eyeing the low-end market as a new target for growth. The Apple Watch SE could achieve substantial market traction if its price is effectively managed. Given the product's small footprint, there are limited avenues for the company to reduce component costs, which is likely why they are considering a shift to plastic.
As we await the potential launch of the updated Apple Watch SE later this year, it will be interesting to see how Apple navigates these challenges. Stay tuned for more updates on this development in the world of wearable technology.
