Key Takeaways
- The Apple Watch SE 3 is expected to have a slightly larger display size and a faster “S10” processor.
- It could also be replaced with a plastic shell, dropping the price to under $249.
- The announcement will likely be made in conjunction with an iPhone event in September 2024.
Since its launch, one of the Apple Watch’s biggest drawbacks has been its cost. Many people can’t justify the price of the cheapest flagship model, let alone upgrade to stainless steel or buy an Ultra. For 2020 and beyond, the SE series has been Apple’s answer to this dilemma, offering the core Watch experience with relatively few sacrifices.
The second-generation SE shipped in September 2022, so maybe it’s about time for Apple to launch a new SE. What features can we expect from the SE 3, when is it expected to ship, and most importantly, will it remain affordable?
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Apple Watch SE 3 Rumors
Latest claims and general expectations
Rumors are few and far between for now. Omdia analyst David Hsieh has claimed that in 2023, the SE 3 will mirror the size options of the Apple Watch Series 8, which came in 41mm and 45mm variants. That would make the SE 3 slightly larger than the SE 2, which was limited to 40mm and 44mm options, but don’t think that’s Apple being generous; the Series 10 is expected to upgrade to 45mm and 49mm, so Apple is probably just reusing old tech and shifting targets.
The only upgrade would be a newer, faster processor, likely the “S10,” that will also be found in the Series 10 and Ultra 3. This should allow the SE 3 to process some Siri commands on-device. It may also set the stage for the yet-to-be-announced Apple Intelligence for the Apple Watch, which, if it does arrive, is expected to offer a subset of the features available on the iPhone, given the limited space and power on wearables.
In July 2024, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple may be replacing the SE 3’s aluminum shell with a plastic one. That could bring the device’s price down to under $249, drawing consumers away from competitors such as the Fitbit Versa. But Apple has famously resisted plastic, and the only iPhone to use a plastic shell was the iPhone 5c in 2013. The company typically favors metal and glass to maintain its “premium” image. In August 2024, Gurman explained that Apple may be trying to make the SE more kid-friendly.
What shouldn’t we expect from the Apple Watch SE 3?
It probably won’t have an always-on display (AOD), which has long been one of the main selling points of the Series and Ultra models, but that would require more expensive screen technology and probably a bigger battery – even with a lower refresh rate, the AOD panel would consume extra power.
Likewise, don’t expect any new health sensors either. These are just another way for Apple to differentiate its lineup and keep prices down. On top of that, Apple isn’t currently allowed to offer blood oxygen (SpO2) sensors in any of its devices in the US due to a lawsuit by medical technology company Masimo.
However, this all assumes that things continue as they are: Apple may reach a settlement with Masimo in the near future, and always-on displays may become cheaper to produce and easier to make.
When will the Apple Watch SE 3 be released?
We’re predicting September 2024. The SE 2 came out two years after the original, so a 2024 release would keep with that same cadence. And Apple needs to keep the SE up to date if it wants people to buy a new product instead of scouring stores like Amazon or Best Buy for a refurbished Apple Watch. A more specific release date is hard to pin down, but it should be announced in time for Apple’s usual mid-September iPhone event, with shipments likely later that month or early October.
It’s conceivable it could be released outside of that window, but that’s doubtful — the only Watch to premiere outside of September or October was Series 0 in April 2015.
How much does the Apple Watch SE 3 cost?
It’s unlikely to cost more than the $249 price tag of the SE 2. If the new model has a plastic shell, it could sell for $199, but it probably won’t be cheaper than that — just $20 more than a pair of AirPods.
Should I buy the Apple Watch SE 3?
If you’re an iPhone user looking for a new watch and have an older SE, or if you don’t have a smartwatch at all, this is definitely something to consider. Series and Ultra-level features like AOD tech, a metal shell, more health sensors, and a larger screen are nice to have, but generally not essential.
If you’re an iPhone owner with an older SE, or if you don’t have a smartwatch at all, you should strongly consider this one.
But let’s emphasize “usually.” For athletes and those serious about fitness, factors like durability, display technology, and sensors are crucial. Even if you’re just lazing around on the couch, something like an AOD may be essential. The last thing a business manager wants is to be seen lifting their wrist during a long meeting. On the other hand, if you need a battery life that lasts several days, you’ll need to save up for an Ultra 3 or look at another watch brand like Garmin.
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