The Apple Watch SE 2 launched in 2022, while the original Apple Watch SE debuted two years earlier. That suggests that 2024 could be the year for the Apple Watch SE 3, and the latest rumor points to quite a shift for this particular wearable.
According to the usually reliable Mark Gurman of BloombergNot only will the next Apple Watch SE be made of plastic instead of aluminum, it will also be made more “kid-friendly” – perhaps competing directly with watches like the Fitbit Ace LTE and Swatch’s colorful kids’ watches.
Gurman has predicted the switch to plastic before, but this is the first time he’s repositioned the device as something that can be bought for kids. Using a plastic casing would allow Apple to create a wider and more vibrant color choice for the watch, broadening its appeal to younger people.
Switching from aluminum to plastic also reduces costs, which would mean Apple could price it below the $249 / £259 / AU$399 starting price of the Apple Watch SE 2 (larger sizes and cellular connectivity come at extra cost).
Launches in September
In our Apple Watch SE 2 review, we praised the watch’s comfort and battery life. Many of the drawbacks, such as the lack of ECG readings and the absence of an always-on display, wouldn’t necessarily matter much to children.
We gave the smartwatch 4.5 out of 5 stars, saying that it offers all the smartwatch features that most people would need. With that in mind, the Apple Watch SE 3 upgrade may not be as big as it ultimately appears, perhaps with a slight improvement in terms of the internal processor.
Indeed, we haven’t heard many rumors about a new Apple Watch SE yet. We should see the Apple Watch 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 launch in September, alongside the new iPhone 16 series, and it’s quite possible the affordable model will get an update at the same time.
It’s unlikely that the Apple Watch SE 3 will be specifically aimed at kids. It will still be aimed at anyone who wants a cheaper Apple Watch. However, don’t be surprised if the next edition is a bit more kid-friendly and comes in more colors.