Apple’s anticipated plastic Apple Watch SE, a more affordable version of the budget smartwatch, may not be released until next year. The device, initially reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, is still in development but has encountered manufacturing delays. The plastic Apple Watch SE was not announced during Apple’s It’s Glowtime event on September 9, which showcased other new products, including the Series 10 and a new black color for the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
The current Apple Watch SE was last updated in 2022 with its second generation—The upcoming plastic version is expected to feature a more colorful design aimed at younger users. Despite the delay, Gurman’s sources suggest that the project is ongoing, and the release is projected for the next year.
At the recent event, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 10, which highlights a thinner profile and a larger, brighter OLED display. Engadget’s Billy Steele praised the Series 10 for its significant display improvements over recent models, noting its enhanced brightness and wider viewing angles.
This release continues Apple’s trend of incremental upgrades to its smartwatch lineup while the plastic SE, unfortunately, still remains in development. Hopefully, those on a budget looking for a new smartwatch to jump in the Apple ecosystem will have some great news a couple of months from now. What are some colors you would like to see in Apple’s new series for the Watch SE? Hopefully they won’t have the same bad reception that the iPhone 5c series had—something many of us will never forget.