After last year’s design refresh of the Apple Watch Series 10, it seems that Apple may be giving the Apple Watch SE a similar treatment in 2025. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is reportedly planning a major design revamp for its entry-level smartwatch model.
What to Expect from the New SE?
While details about the upcoming Apple Watch SE are still sparse, Gurman has confirmed that the SE will feature a new look. Although specifics are yet to be revealed, previous reports from Bloomberg suggest that the SE could adopt a plastic chassis instead of the aluminum casing used in earlier models. This potential shift could be a strategy to lower manufacturing costs while maintaining some of the newer, more expensive internal components.
It’s not clear whether Apple will lower the price of the SE to match this change in materials, but given that the SE currently starts at $249 in the U.S., this move could make the model more competitive against rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch FE, which is priced at $200, or the Galaxy Watch 6, which starts at only $50 more than the SE.
Plastic Build: A Bold Move?
If Apple does indeed opt for plastic, it will be interesting to see how the build quality compares to the current aluminum versions. While plastic is more susceptible to scuffing, it might not show damage as prominently as the painted aluminum surfaces that scratch easily. The change to plastic could also pave the way for a wider range of fun and vibrant color options, much like the iPhone 5c did when it debuted.
Performance and Features: Incremental Improvements Expected
While an updated processor is expected, there are no solid details about other potential changes such as a larger display, a bigger battery, or a slimmer profile. As for features, don’t expect anything groundbreaking. The ECG functionality, currently exclusive to higher-end models like the Series 10 and Ultra, is likely to remain unavailable on the SE.
However, with the possible introduction of blood pressure sensing on the Apple Watch in 2025, there’s a chance that some advanced health features could trickle down to the SE. This would be a welcome addition, bringing a higher level of health tracking to the more affordable model.
Looking Ahead
The Apple Watch SE is positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative to the premium models in Apple’s lineup, but with these possible changes, it might close the gap a little more. If the rumors prove true, the SE could offer a more modern look, competitive pricing, and some enticing new features, making it a stronger contender in the wearable market this year.