Apple Watch SE 3: What we know

From its inception, one of the biggest drawbacks of the Apple Watch has been cost. Many people can’t justify the price of the cheapest flagship model, never mind upgrading to stainless steel or buying an Ultra. Since 2020, the SE line has been Apple’s answer to that dilemma, offering a core Watch experience with relatively few sacrifices.

A second-generation SE shipped in September 2022, so Apple may be about due for a new one. What features can we expect from the SE 3? When is it likely to ship? And most importantly, will it stay reasonably priced?

Apple Watch SE 3 rumors

The latest claims, and what we can expect in general

Very few rumors have emerged so far. In 2023, Omdia analyst David Hsieh claimed that the SE 3 will mirror the size options of the Apple Watch Series 8, which had 41 and 45mm variants. That would make the SE 3 slightly bigger than the SE 2, which is limited to 40 and 44mm options — but don’t think of it as generosity on Apple’s part. The Series 10 is poised to upgrade to 45 and 49mm, so Apple is probably just repurposing old tech and shifting the goalposts.

The only other upgrade is likely to be a newer, faster processor, presumably an “S10” that will also make its way into the Series 10 and Ultra 3. That should allow the SE 3 to process some Siri commands on-device, and could also be setting the stage for Apple Intelligence, which has yet to be announced for Apple Watches. If Apple Intelligence does come, expect a subset of the features available on iPhones, given the limited space and power wearables offer.

In July 2024, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reported that Apple may be swapping out an aluminum shell on the SE 3 for plastic. If so that might bring the cost of the device under $249, luring shoppers away from rival products like the Fitbit Versa. Apple has notoriously resisted plastic, however — the only iPhone to use a plastic shell was 2013’s iPhone 5c. The company typically prefers metal and glass to preserve its “premium” image. In August 2024, Gurman explained that Apple may be trying to make the SE more kid-friendly.

What should we not expect with the Apple Watch SE 3?

It probably won’t adopt an always-on display (AOD). For years now that’s been one of the primary selling points for Series and Ultra models, and it would require more expensive screen technology, possibly backed by a larger battery. Even using low refresh rates, AOD panels consume extra power.

Likewise, don’t expect any new health sensors. Those are another way Apple keeps its lineups separate and prices in check. On top of that, it’s not allowed to offer blood oxygen (a.k.a. SpO2) sensing on any US device at the moment, owing to a lawsuit by the medical tech company Masimo.

All of this assumes the status quo will continue, mind. It’s possible that Apple will reach a settlement with Masimo in the near future, or that production costs will have dropped low enough to make an always-on display trivial.

When will the Apple Watch SE 3 be released?

We’re predicting September 2024. The SE 2 launched two years after the original, and a 2024 release would maintain the same cycle. Apple also needs to keep the SE current if it wants people to buy new products instead of hunting down refurbished Watches from stores like Amazon and Best Buy. A more specific release date is difficult, but an announcement should come alongside Apple’s usual mid-September iPhone event, followed by delivery later that month or in early October.

A release could conceivably happen outside of that window, but we doubt it. The only Watch to premiere outside of September or October was the Series 0, back in April 2015.

How much will the Apple Watch SE 3 cost?

It shouldn’t go any higher than the SE 2’s $249. If the new model uses a plastic shell, it could sell for $199, but probably no lower than that — it would be just $20 more than a pair of AirPods.

Should I buy the Apple Watch SE 3?

If you’re after a new watch, you should strongly consider it if you’re an iPhone owner with an older SE or no smartwatch at all. Remember that Series- and Ultra-level features like AOD tech, a metal shell, more health sensors, and a large screen may be nice to have, but are usually non-essential.

Let’s emphasize “usually,” though. If you’re an athlete or otherwise serious about fitness, things like durability, display tech, and sensors are going to matter a great deal. Even for couch potatoes, something like AOD can sometimes be essential — the last thing a business manager wants is to be caught raising their wrist during a long meeting. If you need multi-day battery life, meanwhile, you should be saving up for an Ultra 3 or considering another watch brand, such as Garmin.

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