Apple Watch SE Plastic Controversy: Why Apple Is Moving Away from Plastic Materials

In 2024, a Bloomberg report made waves in the tech world when it revealed that Apple had been exploring the idea of creating a plastic version of its Apple Watch SE in an effort to reduce costs. However, this potential move has stirred controversy and raised questions about the brand’s design ethos. Despite initial considerations, it seems Apple is now backing away from this decision. Let’s explore the details behind the plastic Apple Watch SE rumor and analyze why Apple ultimately decided to keep the iconic metal design.

The Controversial Rumored Plastic Apple Watch SE

The idea of a plastic Apple Watch SE was first reported by Bloomberg in July 2024, which stated that Apple was contemplating replacing the existing aluminum casing of the Apple Watch SE with a “hard plastic” material. This change was reportedly intended to lower production costs, either to increase Apple’s profit margins or to offer the device at a more affordable price point for consumers.

This rumored shift to plastic immediately sparked backlash. The main concern voiced by many was that a plastic Apple Watch could appear “too cheap”—even for an entry-level product like the SE. Others argued that the plastic version could serve as a more practical option for families buying the watch for their children.

Currently, the Apple Watch SE, made from aluminum, is priced at $249 at the Apple Store, but you can find it at a more affordable $169 on Amazon. Even at its current price, the device offers a solid deal given its premium build quality. Reducing the price by shifting to plastic, while potentially lowering production costs, might not be enough of a benefit for most consumers.

Looking back at Apple’s history, the iPhone 5c launched in 2013 as a plastic-bodied model was met with criticism. In a time when iPhones were built from metal and glass, the iPhone 5c’s plastic body didn’t resonate well with users. Apple has never repeated the plastic design for any subsequent iPhone. Could the Apple Watch SE face the same fate?

The Design Dilemma: Plastic vs. Metal

While the idea of a plastic Apple Watch SE might make sense for cost-conscious parents looking for a kid-friendly smartwatch, the SE isn’t just a budget version—it’s a product that brings many of the key features of the more expensive Apple Watch models at a lower price point. Many customers choose the SE because it looks and feels like a high-end Apple Watch, yet comes with a significantly lower price tag.

From the consumer perspective, a reduction in price might not justify the trade-off of losing the sleek, premium metal finish. Even if Apple were to lower the price from $249 to $199, the shift to plastic might still be off-putting for most users who are drawn to the aesthetic and durability of metal.

Apple’s Change of Heart: No Plastic Apple Watch

According to

This decision signifies

What Undercode Says:

This decision by Apple to abandon the idea of a plastic Apple Watch SE is an insightful move. Apple’s brand is synonymous with premium materials and top-notch design, and deviating from that ethos would have been a significant risk. Consumers, especially those who already view the Apple Watch SE as an affordable option, might have seen a plastic version as too cheap, diminishing the perceived value of the product.

Moreover, Apple’s history with the iPhone 5c highlights the risk of alienating consumers with a shift in material. While the 5c was marketed as an affordable iPhone alternative, its plastic body was often seen as a downgrade compared to the metal-and-glass designs that had become synonymous with the iPhone line. The same sentiment could have affected the Apple Watch SE, especially since its appeal lies not only in its functionality but also in its aesthetic resemblance to more expensive models.

In addition, Apple likely realized that any savings from using plastic wouldn’t be substantial enough to justify the change. With the existing aluminum model priced affordably at $249, dropping the price to $199 wouldn’t have had a significant impact on demand. Consumers often associate Apple products with high-end materials, and switching to plastic could have reduced the desirability of the device—something Apple clearly wants to avoid.

Fact Checker Results:

– Plastic material not cost-effective:

Design concerns: The design team was not convinced that a plastic Apple Watch would meet Apple’s aesthetic standards.
History of plastic products: Similar products like the iPhone 5c showed that consumers might not embrace plastic versions of premium devices, regardless of their intended purpose.