Next month, Apple is set to unveil its latest lineup of products, including the highly anticipated iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. However, the spotlight is expected to shine brightly on Apple’s range of smartwatches. Alongside the Apple Watch Series 10, celebrating a decade of innovation in wearables, rumors suggest that a new, more affordable Apple Watch may also make its debut.
A Drastic Design Shift for the Apple Watch SE
In a significant departure from previous models, the upcoming Apple Watch SE is rumored to feature a plastic casing instead of the traditional metal. This change aims to reduce production costs, ultimately lowering the retail price. This shift in material choice was initially reported by journalist Mark Gurman, who noted Apple’s strategic move to make their smartwatch more accessible.
A Vibrant and Child-Friendly Smartwatch
Bloomberg’s newsletter, Power On, recently highlighted that the plastic casing is becoming an increasingly likely feature for the new Apple Watch SE. This design choice not only cuts costs but also allows for a broader range of color options, making the watch more appealing to a younger audience. The new model is expected to cater specifically to children, with features designed to suit their needs.
Apple has been promoting its Family Sharing mode for several years, enabling children without smartphones to use an Apple Watch connected to their parent’s iPhone. This setup allows parents to stay in touch with their kids, set up a Schooltime mode with limited functions, and manage screen time. I remember a friend who used this feature to keep track of her son during his soccer practices, finding it incredibly useful for quick check-ins and setting boundaries on screen time.
Competitors in the Kid-Friendly Wearable Market
Apple isn’t alone in targeting the younger demographic with dedicated smartwatch features. Garmin offers the Garmin Bounce, and Fitbit has its Fitbit Ace LTE, both designed with children in mind. These devices include safety features and parental controls, similar to what Apple aims to provide.
As we look forward to September, the official reveal of Apple’s latest smartwatches will shed more light on these exciting developments. The first half of the month promises to bring a wave of new technology, with the affordable, kid-friendly Apple Watch SE likely to be a highlight.
Apple’s commitment to innovation and accessibility continues to shape the tech landscape, making advanced technology available to a wider audience, including the youngest members of our families. This new approach not only broadens their market but also provides practical solutions for modern parenting.
