Apple’s Plastic Apple Watch SE Faces Design and Cost Hurdles

Apple’s rumored plastic Apple Watch SE, aimed at reducing costs and targeting kids, may be facing setbacks. A Bloomberg report suggests the project is stalled, as the plastic variant’s production cost remains similar to the aluminum model, while its design fails to meet Apple’s aesthetic standards.

The Apple Watch SE, currently priced at $249, was expected to get a cheaper plastic variant to compete with Samsung’s lower-cost smartwatches. However, Apple’s environmental policies discourage traditional plastic use, pushing the company toward sustainable alternatives. So far, the plastic prototype reportedly hasn’t met Apple’s expectations.

Despite analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s prediction that an updated SE model would arrive before late 2025, it remains uncertain if Apple can resolve these issues in time. A plastic Apple Watch SE could cater to parents looking for a kid-friendly wearable, but unless Apple achieves cost reductions, its release may be delayed indefinitely.