Apple intends to release affordable smart watches for children with a plastic body

Last month, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman reported that Apple is developing a new version of the affordable Apple Watch SE with a plastic case, suggesting that this is intended to reduce the cost of the wearable device. This week, in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman wrote that Apple is using plastic to make the Apple Watch SE “more suitable for kids,” adding that this “could provide a better color range.”

Currently, the Apple Watch SE is offered at $249, while the cheapest competitor, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch FE, sells for $199.

It’s worth recalling that in 2013, Apple released the iPhone 5C with a plastic case in various bright color options, which was a modified version of the iPhone 5. The new device received mixed reactions from users, some of whom claimed that the plastic case was a step back compared to the attractive metal finish of previous models, while others said that the price was too high for a product perceived as low-quality.

In turn, The Verge believes that for the kids' plastic Apple Watch SE, Apple might select fresh color options to make them even more appealing despite using cheaper materials. However, the publication expressed concerns that in striving for a more affordable price, the company might significantly cut back on the device’s functionality.