January 18, 2025 – According to a recent tweet by Jon Prosser, the host of the YouTube channel Front Page Tech, Apple’s upcoming Apple Watch SE 3 is rumored to adopt an eco-friendly recycled plastic material for its construction. Additionally, the smartwatch may feature a broader color palette to appeal to a younger demographic.
The report suggests that while the Apple Watch SE 3 will sport a plastic casing, it will be made from ocean-recovered plastic, aligning with Apple’s longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability. Apple might even position the device as its first “Carbon Negative” product, indicating that it removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits.

Citing media reports, Prosser noted that the primary purchasers of the Apple Watch SE are parents buying for their children, primarily for location tracking and basic communication. Consequently, the shift to a plastic case for the Apple Watch SE 3 aims to make the device more suitable for children. The current aluminum Apple Watch SE offers only three color options: midnight, starlight, and silver. The new model is rumored to follow the iPhone 16’s lead, introducing additional hues like pink, teal, and ultramarine.
Preliminary specifications for the Apple Watch SE 3 indicate a potential release in September 2025, with an anticipated price range starting from 199to249. The design is expected to mirror that of previous Apple Watch SE models but might feature a slightly larger size. The rumored plastic casing could contribute to reduced cost and weight. Other rumored upgrades include a more durable display, an S9 chip, possible ECG tracking, AI-driven health and fitness monitoring, and the watchOS 12 operating system.
The Apple Watch SE line’s predecessor launched in 2022, making the rumored 2025 release of the Apple Watch SE 3 a logical update to the series. This timeline also aligns with Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman’s forecast in his recent Power On communication.