Future Apple Watch SE model might drop aluminum casing for plastic

The Apple Watch SE (curr. discounted to $189 on Amazon) is the cheapest smartwatch sold by Apple, and its low price tag is due to a number of cost-cutting measures such as the choice of materials and its features compared to its more expensive siblings. Now, new information has surfaced that Apple is working on a new model with a casing made from a different material.

The current model of the Apple Watch SE is the 2nd generation, released in 2022, and according to Apple, the case is made from 100% recycled aluminum. However, that may change when the Apple Watch SE 3rd generation arrives. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is testing a new version of the Apple Watch SE that has a rigid plastic shell instead of an aluminum shell like the current model. 

It is presumed that the switch to plastic may be a way to bring the cost down. A more affordable Apple Watch SE makes sense considering Apple's rival, Samsung, now offers a $199 smartwatch in the form of the Galaxy Watch FE. For context the Apple Watch SE 2nd generation has a $249 starting price. However, while a cheaper Apple Watch SE will be welcomed by many, some may not fancy the switch to plastic as it is not as durable as aluminum. 

A solution to this is to offer the Apple Watch SE in two material variants - plastic and aluminum. Offering two case material options for an Apple Watch isn't new as the Apple Watch Series 9 (curr. discounted to $359 on Amazon) is available in aluminum, and a more expensive stainless steel version.

The Apple Watch SE 2 launched two years after the Apple Watch SE, so a successor is expected to launch this year, alongside the Apple Watch 10/Apple Watch X.