The current Apple Watch SE is still priced at €279, despite being positioned as Apple’s most affordable option. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch FE, which was introduced on June 24, starts at just €229 for the Bluetooth model. This price difference puts Apple at a disadvantage There is a gap in the entry-level smartwatch market that the company wants to fill.
By adopting plastic as the main material for the Watch SE body, Apple could significantly reduce its production costs. This decision could allow it to reduce the price by around fifty euros, or even less, which would put it in direct competition with Samsung’s offer. This strategy clearly recalls Apple’s past experience. Like the colorful iPhone 5c from 2013, which featured a polycarbonate design.
The next Apple Watch will be made of plastic
So what kind of plastic could Apple use? Speculation points to a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP). These materials are known for their impressive strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion. Other smartwatch brands like Garmin already use FRP in their devices. Apple could follow a similar path by maximizing sustainability while limiting costs.
It’s worth noting that the current Apple Watch SE is not made entirely of metal. The rear case already uses nylon composite material. The proposed change would extend this approach to the entire body of the watch, completely embracing plastic as the main construction material.
While some may be concerned about a potential drop in perceived quality, Apple has a habit of promoting materials through design. The iPhone 5c won fans over with its vibrant colors and comfortable feel, despite initial skepticism. If Apple were to apply its design expertise to a plastic Watch SE, the result could once again appeal to some fans of the brand. It remains to be seen when and at what price this new connected watch will arrive.
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