The $249 entry-level model also gets the S10 chip and fast charging support
Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch SE 3, a huge update to its budget-friendly smartwatch that adds an always-on display, improved health sensors, and fast charging.
The new model, which starts at $249, is available for pre-order today and will be in stores from Friday, September 19.
The update brings the SE much closer to the flagship models in terms of core features. As well as the new display and charging capabilities, the S10 chip powers it.
It includes an on-board temperature sensor for the first time, unlocking a host of more advanced health-tracking features and making it an incredibly compelling package for its price.
Below, we’ve detailed the five key things to know about the SE 3.
Apple Watch SE 3: Five key features
1. The display is finally always-on
This has been the single most noticeable feature separating the SE from the more expensive models. Users can now glance at the time and their complications without having to raise their wrist, making the SE 3 feel much more like a modern-day smartwatch. It’s long overdue.
2. The massive health sensor upgrade
The addition of a temperature sensor unlocks more advanced women’s health features, including retrospective ovulation estimates. The new software also introduces sleep apnea detection to the SE line for the first time, and users will gain access to the new native Sleep Score, bringing its health capabilities much closer to those of the flagship Series 11.
3. Performance gets a boost with the S10 chip
The S10 chip not only makes the watch faster but also enables features that were previously exclusive to the high-end models, including on-device Siri for quicker responses and the Double Tap and wrist flick gestures for one-handed control (unveiled as part of watchOS 26). Like its new siblings, it also boasts support for 5G cellular.
4. Charging is twice as fast
Another first for the SE line is Apple’s fast charging. Apple says the SE 3 charges up to two times faster than its predecessor, with a quick 15-minute charge providing up to eight hours of battery. This is a massive quality-of-life improvement, especially for those who want to track their sleep.
5. The speaker carries over from Series and Ultra
Another first-time feature arriving on the entry-level watch is the speaker, something that first debuted on the Series line last year—and, before that, with the Ultra.
Like with that inclusion, it allows users to listen to music and voice calls without AirPods (or other Bluetooth buds) being connected. Not a feature we’ve used tons, but definitely a nice-to-have at this price point.
