Youngsters might be everywhere in the new Apple Watch SE if it seems to be like this

The third-generation Apple Watch SE could also be switching to a plastic shell with the goal of constructing it “extra kid-friendly,” in accordance with Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. Whereas rumors of a plastic shell aren’t new, the kid focus is, and can be a primary for the corporate’s {hardware} design. Gurman means that the change “may enable for a greater array of colours,” although there isn’t any indication but that Apple plans to benefit from this.

All present Apple Watches use aluminum, metal, or titanium shells. That retains their value above what most mother and father are keen to spend, particularly for one thing that might nonetheless get scratched or dented by children whereas they’re enjoying. Switching to plastic seemingly would not enhance sturdiness, however would deliver down manufacturing prices and make it simpler to churn out totally different colours. The current SE is just accessible in three colours, specifically Midnight, Starlight, and Silver. Essentially the most dramatic Watch shade is definitely the (PRODUCT)RED choice for the Series 9. The Ultra 2 is just accessible in a single titanium shade.

Apple has beforehand solely taken just a few steps in the direction of making Watches kid-friendly. The most important might be Apple Watch For Your Kids, beforehand often called Household Setup, which lets mother and father give their children an Apple Watch with out additionally giving them an iPhone, although the Watch must be a mobile mannequin. Apple has additionally launched a handful of watchfaces children would possibly take pleasure in, equivalent to Playtime and Snoopy.

A historical past in plastic

Apple is often averse to placing out units with plastic shells except they’re equipment like AirPods. The corporate likes to protect a “premium” picture — and a excessive pricetag — by sticking to metallic and glass each time doable. It discontinued plastic MacBooks in 2012, and the one plastic iPhone ever launched was 2013’s iPhone 5c. The latter product was famously colourful, accessible in white, pink, yellow, blue, or inexperienced.

The corporate would possibly want plastic to maintain Apple Watch gross sales rising. Many individuals are liable to carry onto a smartwatch for a number of years, and whereas the Extremely lineup is comparatively new, it is focused at a minority of people that can justify a $799 value for additional battery life and toughness.