Currently in development, the Apple Watch SE with a plastic body is anticipated to launch in 2025.

 At Apple's recent iPhone 16 launch event, they unveiled the Watch Series 10 models and a fresh new color option for the Watch Ultra 2, which now also comes with a sleek titanium Milanese loop band. However, one thing noticeably absent from the stage was any news about the Apple Watch SE, the more budget-friendly model, which hasn’t seen an update since 2022.

But the wait might soon be over. Reports indicate that Apple is working on a completely reimagined version of the Watch SE, set to debut with a bold new plastic body. This fresh take on the SE is expected to be even more affordable than the current 2022 model, and could hit the market as early as next year.

Currently in development, the Apple Watch SE with a plastic body is anticipated to launch in 2025.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has offered some intriguing details in his latest PowerOn newsletter. While the existence of a plastic-bodied Watch SE was known from earlier reports, Gurman now reveals more about why Apple is taking this route. The big idea? Appeal to a younger crowd, offering an Apple Watch that’s not only affordable but fun, with vibrant colors that harken back to the iPhone 5c—Apple’s famously colorful and budget-friendly phone from 2013.

It’s not yet clear if Apple will offer a metal version of this new Watch SE alongside the plastic one, but Gurman is certain about one thing: these bold colors are designed to catch the eye, and the watch could be a game-changer, especially for kids. With many U.S. schools enforcing smartphone bans during school hours, a colorful, affordable Apple Watch with cellular capabilities might just be the perfect solution for students to stay connected without breaking the rules.

Though still in development, the plastic Watch SE is making steady progress, and a launch next year seems likely. Apple has faced some challenges in maintaining quality while transitioning to plastic, but once their premium models fully switch to titanium, the SE’s development should speed up.

On the performance front, Gurman hints at a “processor jump” for the new SE. While it’s unclear what chip Apple will use, it’s expected to outshine the current SE, which runs on the same dual-core Apple S8 chip found in the Watch Series 8. That means the new SE could deliver a more powerful experience without compromising its affordability, making it an enticing option for young users and budget-conscious Apple fans alike.

The plastic Apple Watch SE seems poised to bring a fresh, youthful energy to Apple’s lineup, with its vibrant colors, affordability, and next-gen capabilities, all while filling a niche in today’s tech-savvy school environments. It’s a smart move from Apple, and it will be exciting to see how this plays out when it hits the market next year.