The Apple Watch SE series offers a more affordable entry point into the Apple Watch ecosystem. With rumors swirling about the upcoming Apple Watch SE 3, anticipation is building for what this next-generation budget-friendly wearable might offer. While official details are scarce, leaks and industry insights provide a glimpse into the potential features, release date, and price of the Apple Watch SE 3. This article compiles everything we know so far, exploring the anticipated upgrades and improvements.
Release Date and Price Predictions
alt text: The World Time watch face displayed on the Apple Watch SE 2.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a reputable Apple analyst, suggests a potential announcement in the second half of 2025. This aligns with Apple’s previous SE release patterns, with the SE 2 launching in 2022 and the original in 2019. A September release alongside the iPhone 17 series seems likely.
Pricing remains uncertain. The Apple Watch SE 2 debuted at $249, but current market conditions, including tariffs, could impact the SE 3’s price. Gurman has hinted at potential production challenges, suggesting a possible price increase. While Apple aims to maintain the SE’s affordability, a return to the original SE’s $279 price point is possible.
Design and Material Speculation
alt text: A close-up view of various apps displayed on the Apple Watch SE 2.
Traditionally featuring a metal casing, the Apple Watch SE might transition to a plastic frame for the SE 3, according to a Bloomberg report. This shift could reduce costs and streamline production, but raises concerns about perceived quality and Apple’s environmental sustainability goals.
Rumors also point towards a potential screen size increase, with 1.6-inch and 1.8-inch options speculated, slightly larger than the current SE 2’s display. A slimmer chassis is also a possibility with the potential plastic design. Historically, the SE models have echoed the design of the latest flagship Apple Watch, suggesting the SE 3 might resemble the Apple Watch 10. However, without official confirmation, these details remain speculative.
Expected Specs and Features
alt text: A person wearing the Apple Watch SE 2 on their wrist.
Concrete information on the Apple Watch SE 3’s specifications is limited, but educated guesses can be made based on current trends. Fast charging, absent in the SE 2, is a highly anticipated addition, aligning with Apple Watch features since the Series 7. Inclusion of features from flagship models is also expected, though likely not the full suite.
ECG tracking, improved battery capacity, and potentially a silicon-carbide battery replacing the lithium-ion version are possibilities. Temperature sensing and sleep apnea detection, currently flagship features, might also trickle down to the SE 3. The S9 chip and watchOS 12 are expected. While the SE 3 promises to be Apple’s most powerful budget wearable, its performance compared to the Apple Watch Series 10 remains to be seen.
A Wishlist for the Apple Watch SE 3
alt text: Side-by-side comparison of the Apple Watch SE 2 and the Apple Watch Ultra, highlighting their size difference.
Beyond the rumors, several desirable features top the wishlist for the Apple Watch SE 3. A larger display, although speculated, remains uncertain. The introduction of Apple Intelligence capabilities, if the rumored more powerful chip can support it, would be a significant upgrade, though its implementation on any Apple Watch is yet to be seen.
Most importantly, enhanced battery life is a crucial desire. While the Apple Watch 10 boasts 18 hours, real-world usage often falls short. The SE 3 could differentiate itself with two to three days of battery life and fast charging for quick top-ups. This extended battery performance would address a key user concern and elevate the SE 3’s appeal.
