Apple Abandons Plans for Plastic Apple Watch SE: Design and Cost Concerns Prevail

Apple Abandons Plans for Plastic Apple Watch SE A Bloomberg report from July 2024 suggested that Apple was considering replacing the aluminum shell of the Apple Watch SE with hard plastic to reduce production costs. However, recent reports indicate that Apple has abandoned this idea. The design team found the look of a plastic watch unappealing, while the operations team determined that the cost savings would not be significant.

The initial proposal drew mixed reactions. Some consumers felt a plastic Apple Watch SE would appear too cheap, while others saw it as a viable option for children. Despite this, the current aluminum Apple Watch SE is already affordably priced at $249 from Apple and even lower on Amazon.

Apple's history with plastic devices is limited to the iPhone 5c, which was not well-received by consumers. The company has since avoided using plastic in its premium products. Mark Gurman's recent report confirms that the design team's preference for metal and the minimal cost benefits have led Apple to abandon the plastic watch idea.