A Plastic Apple Watch SE? But You Might Have to Wait Until Next Year

The plastic Apple Watch SE could be the next budget-friendly wearable aimed at kids and first-time buyers.

Apple’s recent Glowtime event brought a wave of excitement, with shiny new gadgets like the Apple Watch Series 10 taking the spotlight. However, one highly anticipated product didn’t make an appearance—the rumoured plastic version of the Apple Watch SE. If you’ve been keeping an eye on leaks, you’ve probably heard whispers about a more affordable, plastic-shelled Apple Watch SE that could be perfect for kids or budget-conscious users. But according to insiders, we might not see it until next year.

What’s the Deal with the Plastic Apple Watch SE?

The idea of a plastic Apple Watch SE first emerged earlier this year, with rumours suggesting that Apple is working on an even cheaper version of its entry-level smartwatch. This new SE model was expected to come with a durable plastic casing and offer bold colour options aimed at younger users. The goal? To make the Apple Watch even more accessible while maintaining core features like fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and notifications.

However, despite the excitement, Apple didn’t announce this watch at their September event, leaving fans wondering if the project was scrapped. Thankfully, according to tech analyst Mark Gurman, the plastic SE is still “moving forward.” Manufacturing issues have apparently delayed its release, but sources indicate that we could finally see it hit the market next year.

Why a Plastic Watch?

You might be wondering, “Why would Apple make a plastic watch in the first place?” Apple is no stranger to using different materials in its products to target specific demographics. For instance, the iPhone 5c was a plastic-bodied version aimed at younger consumers and people looking for a more budget-friendly option. The rumoured plastic Apple Watch SE is likely designed to follow the same playbook—offering a durable, cost-effective alternative to the standard models.

For parents, the plastic SE could be a great entry-level device for their kids, especially since smartwatches have become useful tools for safety and fitness tracking. The bold colour options and lighter material would make it more appealing and comfortable for younger users. Plus, at a lower price point, it would become an attractive option for first-time smartwatch buyers.

Production Delays: Why the Wait?

Apple has reportedly hit a manufacturing snag with the plastic design, which explains why we didn’t see the plastic Apple Watch SE at the recent event. While Apple has a reputation for delivering premium quality, even with its more affordable products, creating a watch that balances durability, design, and affordability seems to have posed some challenges.

Production delays aren’t new to the tech industry, and Apple is no exception. In this case, ensuring the watch meets the brand’s high standards while offering it at a lower cost is likely causing the holdup. So, while fans will have to wait a bit longer, the delay could mean a better product in the long run.

What Can We Expect?

If the plastic Apple Watch SE does make its debut next year, what features can we expect? While nothing is confirmed, here’s what rumours and speculations have hinted at:

1. Durable Plastic Casing – A lightweight, tough plastic design that can withstand everyday wear and tear, perfect for kids and active users.
2. Bold Colors – Apple loves offering colourful options for its more budget-friendly products, so we can see vibrant shades like blue, pink, and green.
3. Core Features – Expect the plastic SE to keep essential features like heart rate monitoring, fitness tracking, and notifications, but likely without the more advanced features of the Series 10.
4. Affordable Price – One of the most attractive features of the plastic SE will be its price. While the exact cost is unknown, it’s expected to be significantly lower than the regular SE models, making it one of the most accessible Apple Watches ever.

Is It Worth Waiting For?

If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly Apple Watch or looking to buy one for a child, the plastic Apple Watch SE might be worth the wait. While it’s frustrating that production issues have delayed its release, the potential for a more affordable option in Apple’s smartwatch lineup is exciting. Especially if you’re not interested in the premium features of the Series 10, this plastic model could strike the perfect balance between price, performance, and style.