Earlier this summer season, reviews began to emerge that Apple is testing a brand new “inflexible plastic” physique for the following technology Apple Watch SE. Whereas this could undoubtedly cut back prices, it begs the query – will this tradeoff be price it for purchasers?
The historical past of Apple Watch SE
Apple launched the Apple Watch SE in 2020, alongside the Apple Watch Collection 6. It began at $279, with the identical show, aluminum casing, and ceramic again because the Collection 6. It did lack miss out an At all times-On Show, used an older processor, and likewise lacked help for studying your electrocardiogram (ECG). Nevertheless, with the Apple Watch Collection 6 beginning at $399, it was nonetheless a reasonably whole lot, particularly in comparison with the archaic Apple Watch Collection 3 that Apple nonetheless offered for $199.
In 2022, Apple refreshed the Apple Watch SE, and it began at $249 – making it a bit of bit cheaper than the prior mannequin. With this mannequin, Apple up to date it to make use of the identical chipset because the flagship Apple Watch Collection 8, but in addition modified from a ceramic backing to a brand new “nylon composite” materials, in any other case often known as plastic. It nonetheless didn’t add help for studying your ECG, nor did they add an At all times-On Show, but it surely was a strong refresh that made the Apple Watch extra accessible to extra folks.
Apple Watch SE 3: What’s new?
In a newer Energy On e-newsletter, Mark Gurman reaffirmed the swap, stating {that a} shift to inflexible plastic is “more and more seemingly.” Gurman additionally provides that it “might permit for a greater array of colours.”
We must be seeing this new plastic Apple Watch at Apple’s annual iPhone keynote on September ninth, based on Gurman’s report from Friday:
For the primary time in two years, the corporate is making ready to replace all of its Apple Watch fashions without delay. There might be a brand new low-end Apple Watch SE, a mid-level Collection 10 mannequin and an Extremely 3.
The following Apple Watch SE will seemingly get a more moderen processor, both the S9 chip from final yr’s Apple Watch Collection 9, or the brand new S10 chip from the upcoming Apple Watch Collection 10. Both possibility would offer a noticeable pace improve for Apple Watch SE customers.
It’s potential that we’ll see different upgrades with the Apple Watch SE, however nothing else has been rumored up to now. It’d be good if they may introduce the ECG, as that tech does save lives and it’d be nice if it had been as accessible as potential.
Switching to Plastic: Financial savings potential
With Apple seemingly switching to a plastic physique, Apple will clearly lower your expenses in manufacturing, nevertheless it stays to be seen if Apple will go these financial savings right down to clients. I might see two completely different routes with the upcoming Apple Watch SE.
- Choice 1: Apple retains the worth the identical (beginning at $249), however provides some further options, similar to the flexibility to verify your Electrocardiogram or an At all times-On Show
- Choice 2: Apple reduces the worth (maybe $199 or $229), and retains the function set principally the identical
After all, there’s at all times the chance that the Apple Watch SE will stay at its present value of $249, with none vital new options. Nevertheless, I doubt that Apple would take this strategy. The Apple Watch SE presently occupies a bizarre place, particularly contemplating the frequent offers out there for older flagship Apple Watch fashions.
If the Apple Watch SE 3 focuses on both affordability or extra well being options – or higher but each, Apple will seemingly have a giant success on their arms this yr.
Are you wanting ahead to the upcoming Apple Watch fashions? Do you hate the concept of a plastic Apple Watch? Tell us within the feedback beneath.
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