In a surprising turn of events, the anticipated plastic version of the Apple Watch SE may not make its debut this year, as reported by Bloomberg's trusted insider, Mark Gurman.

In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Gurman revealed that the plastic Apple Watch SE is currently facing significant hurdles related to both design aesthetics and manufacturing costs.

According to Gurman, the design team is dissatisfied with the appearance of the plastic model, while the operations team is struggling to produce the casing at a price point that would be substantially lower than the existing aluminum version.

This news casts a shadow over the potential release of a more affordable, colorful option that could appeal especially to parents eager to buy smartwatches for their children.

Originally, the concept of a plastic Apple Watch SE was introduced last year, sparking excitement about a budget-friendly alternative in Apple's wearable lineup.

Currently, the Apple Watch SE, released in 2022, starts at $249 in the United States and features a sleek aluminum casing that has received favorable reviews for its performance and durability.

As Apple continuously evaluates its product line, this setback raises questions about the brand's commitment to offering diverse pricing options in the smartwatch category.

With competitors aggressively pushing affordable smart tech, Apple might need to rethink its strategy to capture budget-conscious consumers.

Stay tuned, as this story develops, and consider the implications of these design hurdles on Apple's market positioning!