Apple Watch SE 3: What we know

Key Takeaways

• The Apple Watch SE 3 should get a smaller display size increase and a faster “S10” processor.
• It could switch to a plastic shell, perhaps lowering its price tag below $249.
• The announcement is likely to come alongside the September 2024 iPhone event.

Since its inception, one of the biggest issues with the Apple Watch has been cost. Most people can’t justify the price of the cheapest flagship model, never mind upgrading to stainless steel or buying an Ultra. As of 2020, the SE line has been Apple’s answer to that problem, offering a basic viewing experience with relatively few offerings.

The second-generation SE was shipped in September 2022, so it’s possible that Apple might get a new one. What features can we expect in SE 3? When can it be shipped? And most importantly, will it remain reasonably priced?

Apple Watch SE 3 rumors

The latest claims, and what we can expect in general

Very few rumors have surfaced so far. In 2023, Omdia analyst David Hsieh said that the SE 3 will mimic the size options of the Apple Watch Series 8, which had 41 and 45mm variants. That would make the SE 3 slightly larger than the SE 2, which is limited to 40 and 44mm options — but don’t think of it as generous on Apple’s part. The Series 10 is ready to upgrade to 45 and 49mm, so Apple is likely just repurposing old technology and changing the poles.

The only other possible upgrade is a new, faster processor, possibly the “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 the device, and it can. and will put the Apple Intelligence platform, which has yet to be announced, into Apple Watches. When Apple Intelligence arrives, expect a limited set of features available on iPhones, given the limited space and power the wearable has to offer.

In July 2024, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple might replace the aluminum shell on the SE 3 with plastic. If so, that could bring the cost of the device below $249, luring consumers away from rival products like the Fitbit Versa. Apple is notoriously resistant to plastic, however — the only iPhone to use a plastic shell was 2013’s iPhone 5c. The company usually chooses metal and glass to maintain its “premium” image. In August 2024, Gurman explained that Apple might be trying to make the SE more kid-friendly.

What should we expect from the Apple Watch SE 3?

It probably won’t use always-on display (AOD). For years now that has been one of the main selling points of the Series and Ultra models, and it will require more expensive screen technology, likely backed by a larger battery. Even using lower refresh rates, AOD panels use more energy.

Likewise, don’t expect new health sensors. That’s another way Apple keeps its lineup diverse and prices on point. In addition, it is not allowed to provide blood oxygen (also known as SpO2) on any device in the US at this time, due to a lawsuit by the medical technology company Masimo.

All this assumes that the situation will continue, mind you. Either Apple will reach a deal with Masimo soon, or manufacturing costs will have dropped enough to make the always-on display irrelevant.

When will the Apple Watch SE 3 be released?

We predict September 2024. SE 2 was launched two years after the original, and the 2024 release will follow the same cycle. Apple also needs to keep the SE current if it wants people to buy new products instead of hunting for refurbished watches at stores like Amazon and Best Buy. The exact release date is difficult, but the announcement should come alongside Apple’s usual mid-September event for the iPhone, followed by delivery later that month or early October.

The release is possible outside of that window, but we doubt it. The only viewing to be shown outside of September or October was series 0, back in April 2015.

How much will the Apple Watch SE 3 cost?

It shouldn’t cost more than the SE 2’s $249. If the new model uses a plastic shell, it could sell for $199, but probably not less — 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 own an iPhone with an older SE or don’t own a smartwatch at all. Keep in mind that Series- and Ultra-level features like AOD technology, a metal shell, additional health sensors, and a larger screen may be nice to have, but they’re usually not essential.

You should strongly consider it if you own an iPhone with an older SE or don’t have a smartwatch at all.

Let’s emphasize “usually,” though. If you are an athlete or serious about fitness, things like durability, display technology, and sensors will be very important. Even for couch potatoes, something like AOD can sometimes be important — the last thing a business executive wants is to be caught raising his wrist during a long meeting. If you need multi-day battery life, for now, you should save for the Ultra 3 or consider another brand of watch, such as a Garmin.