According to the latest revelations from Mark Gurman, a well-known reporter from Bloomberg, Apple is planning to make major design changes for the next generation of Apple Watch SE, replacing the current aluminum alloy case material with a plastic case for the first time, which can achieve low cost and low price to compete with other brands.
At present, the Apple Watch SE is the same as the mid-to-high-end Apple Watch series, and the case is made of aluminum alloy, in order to maintain the low price of the SE, Apple will also change the back cover material from ceramic to "nylon composite" after updating the Apple Watch SE in 2022.
Gurman said in the latest revelations that Apple is opening a new generation of affordable Apple Watch SE, and has tested new material styles internally, which will replace the aluminum alloy case with a strong plastic material, and Apple may also abandon the aluminum case material from the next generation Apple Watch SE.
Even if Apple does replace the Apple Watch SE model with a plastic case material, it is expected that the texture will not be too bad, and the appearance may be glossy, similar to the discontinued ceramic Apple Watch Edition.
While the report doesn't provide more details, the obvious benefit of making this change is to reduce costs. Apple has previously redesigned the back cover of the Apple Watch SE 2 case, changing the material from ceramic to nylon composite. If the Apple Watch SE 3 changes the case to plastic, the price is expected to be further reduced.
Of course, plastic is certainly not as high-end as metal, but it is not without its merits. For example, it is lighter and more comfortable to wear. And if Apple can achieve a similar or even better process on a plastic case than the iPhone 5C, it will be a new design language.
Apple is facing the challenge of balancing brand image and market share gain, and some analysts have pointed out that this could be a way for Apple to test the market, and if user response is not repulsive, it may see more similar cost control measures in the future.
Both the tech industry and consumers are keeping a close eye on this new product that could change the smartwatch market landscape, and it is expected that more news will emerge about the new Apple Watch SE as Apple's autumn new product launch approaches later this year.
Terminology explained
- Aluminum Alloy: A metal commonly used in electronics, it is favored for its lightness and durability.
- Nylon Composite: A synthetic material commonly used to make low-cost electronics housings.
- Plastic: A lightweight and low-cost synthetic material commonly used in the manufacture of a variety of consumer products.
- Market Share: The proportion of a company or brand that sells products or services in a particular market.
- Brand Image: The public's overall perception and impression of a brand is one of the important intangible assets of an enterprise.
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