Apple is reportedly planning to ditch aluminium and go with a hard plastic casing for its new-generation budget-friendly Apple Watch SE. If implemented, the move will mark a change in Apple’s design strategy which typically uses premium materials like aluminium, stainless steel, ceramic, and titanium across its smartwatch lineup.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has revealed in his latest “Power On” newsletter that Apple is exploring the possibility of replacing the Apple Watch SE’s aluminium shell with a more rigid plastic casing. The aim behind this potential design change is to reduce production costs and offer the smartwatch at a more competitive price point. This would also make the SE model a direct and more robust rival to Samsung’s Galaxy Watch FE. Currently, the Apple Watch SE is available in India for Rs 29,900.

Notably, Apple is maintaining a consistent approach with the SE line, using the earlier watch design while upgrading the processor. The SE models offer users a more affordable entry point into the Apple Watch ecosystem without compromising on the overall aesthetics and material quality. However, the introduction of a plastic casing would be a notable change in this strategy if that is indeed the case.

Interestingly, Apple’s plan to adopt a plastic casing is not entirely unprecedented. In 2013, the company released the iPhone 5C, which had a polycarbonate exterior that was available in a variety of vibrant colors. While the iPhone 5C was intended to offer a low-cost option, it faced criticism for being a step down from the luxurious metallic finish of previous models. The potential plastic casing of the Apple Watch SE could also face similar scrutiny, although Gurman’s report does not clarify whether Apple will change the rear case from ceramic to another material.

As for the launch, the timeline for the next Apple Watch SE is still kept under wraps. If we look at previous launches, the first-generation SE was launched in late 2020, based on the design of the Apple Watch Series 3, while the second-generation model, introduced in September 2022, looked like the Series 5 without the always-on display. Given this pattern, a new model could potentially be announced later this year or in 2025.

As for the next-generation Apple Watch, Apple is expected to launch its 10th-generation smartwatch, which will likely be named the Apple Watch Series X, alongside the iPhone 16 series in September. The new models, codenamed “N217” and “N218”, will feature larger displays and a new chip, Bloomberg reports.

While early reports suggested a significant design overhaul, recent information suggests that the new watch could be quite similar to its previous model, albeit thinner and lighter. Additionally, Apple is expected to introduce the Watch Ultra 3, which is said to look similar to the previous model. The report also suggests that the upcoming Apple Watches will benefit from 3D-printed components, reducing their thickness and weight without compromising on quality. Unlike other Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, the Apple Watch will not be getting new AI features at this time.