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Final month, studies began to emerge that Apple is testing a brand new “inflexible plastic” physique for the subsequent technology Apple Watch SE. Whereas this is able to 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 All the time-On Show, used an older processor, and likewise lacked help for studying your electrocardiogram (ECG). Nonetheless, with the Apple Watch Collection 6 beginning at $399, it was nonetheless a fairly whole lot, particularly in comparison with the archaic Apple Watch Collection 3 that Apple nonetheless bought for $199.
In 2022, Apple refreshed the Apple Watch SE, and it began at $249 – making it slightly 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 generally known as plastic. It nonetheless didn’t add help for studying your ECG, nor did they add an All the time-On Show, however it was a strong refresh that made the Apple Watch extra accessible to extra individuals.
Apple Watch SE 3: What’s new?
On this weekend’s Energy On e-newsletter, Mark Gurman reaffirms his report from final month, stating {that a} shift to inflexible plastic is “more and more probably.” Gurman additionally provides that it “may permit for a greater array of colours.”
Given the truth that the Apple Watch SE has been on a 2 yr refresh cycle to date, this probably means we’ll see the third technology Apple Watch SE subsequent month – alongside the brand new iPhone 16 lineup.
The subsequent Apple Watch SE will probably get a more recent 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 supply a noticeable velocity enhance for Apple Watch SE customers.
It’s doable that we’ll see different upgrades with the Apple Watch SE, however nothing else has been rumored to date. 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 doable.
Switching to Plastic: Financial savings potential
With Apple probably switching to a plastic physique, Apple will clearly get monetary savings in manufacturing, nonetheless it stays to be seen if Apple will go these financial savings right down to prospects. I may see two totally different routes with the upcoming Apple Watch SE.
- Possibility 1: Apple retains the worth the identical (beginning at $249), however provides some further options, comparable to the flexibility to verify your Electrocardiogram or an All the time-On Show
- Possibility 2: Apple reduces the worth (maybe $199 or $229), and retains the function set largely the identical
After all, there’s all the time the likelihood that the Apple Watch SE will stay at its present worth of $249, with none vital new options. Nonetheless, I doubt that Apple would take this method. The Apple Watch SE presently occupies a bizarre place, particularly contemplating the frequent offers obtainable 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 probably 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 under.
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