Apple Watch SE With Plastic Design Now in 'Jeopardy' for Two Reasons

There might not be a plastic Apple Watch SE this year after all, according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

apple watch se 2022
In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said the plastic Apple Watch SE is now in "jeopardy" for two reasons: design and cost issues.

"The design team doesn't like the look, and the operations team is finding it difficult to make the casing materially cheaper than the current aluminum chassis," he said.

Gurman first mentioned the possibility of a plastic Apple Watch SE last year.

An even more affordable Apple Watch SE with a colorful plastic design could have been appealing to parents who are looking to purchase an Apple Watch for their children.

The current Apple Watch SE was released in 2022. In the U.S., it starts at $249.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch SE
Related Forum: Apple Watch

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...

Top Rated Comments

Plutonius Avatar
23 weeks ago
If you are already spending that much money, who wants plastic to save a little money ?

Just give me a better battery life and I'll be happy.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Velin Avatar
23 weeks ago
Aluminum is one of the most abundant elements. Forget the plastic. Aluminum is superior. Instead, find a way to lower the costs to produce the Watch case. Pass those savings on to everyone.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
surfzen21 Avatar
23 weeks ago
And the battle of giants continues.



Attachment Image
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AlexStudios Avatar
23 weeks ago
Mark my words.

If they still manage to release it anyways but jack up the price by just a little bit more, you know there’s something not right at Apple.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
titanium69 Avatar
23 weeks ago
The quality might be cheaper… but the price won’t be
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HowEver Avatar
23 weeks ago

Ancient analog quartz watches from 70s/80s have a battery life up to 10 years. Apple Watch, released almost 10 years ago, can't even last 1 week without recharging. The main issue is the screen: A watch only really needs MOVEMENT. Apple should hire a skilled horologist. And maybe they could release a Special 10th Anniversary Edition in April?
Your definition of a watch is out of date, if not time, for many people.

And there are still lots of watches like you describe, old ones, new ones.

btw do you use a Mac Plus still?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)