Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch SE 3, the latest update to its affordable smartwatch lineup. While the SE series has always been known for delivering essential features of Apple Watch at a lower price, this new generation brings several high-end features that were previously reserved for the flagship models. From advanced health tracking to an Always-On display, the Apple Watch SE 3 offers more value than ever.
One of the most notable upgrades in the Apple Watch SE 3 is the Always-On Retina display, which is powered by the new S10 chip. Users no longer need to raise their wrist to check the time or glance at notifications, and the information is always visible.
Apple has also improved durability with a new Ion-X strengthened cover glass that is four times more resistant to cracks.
Apple is bringing more advanced health features to the SE line. The Apple Watch SE 3 adds sleep score tracking, providing insights into sleep duration, sleep stages, and consistency. Users will get a simple, easy-to-understand score each morning, with tips on how to improve sleep quality.
Other new health tools include:
- Wrist temperature sensing for wellness insights.
- Retrospective ovulation estimates to improve period tracking and family planning.
- Sleep apnea notifications, which alert users if signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea are detected over a 30-day period.
These features join existing health and safety tools like heart health notifications, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS, and Cycle Tracking.
Apple Watch SE 3 continues to motivate users with Activity rings, personalized goals, and workout tracking. With watchOS 26, it also introduces Workout Buddy, a new AI-powered fitness coach that gives spoken motivation and personalized feedback during workouts. This feature takes into account metrics like heart rate, pace, and milestones to keep users on track.
The Workout app has also been redesigned. The app now makes it easier to customize workouts and view real-time stats. Users can set up music or podcasts to automatically play when they start exercising, with recommendations tailored to their workout type.
Apple Watch SE 3 is powered by the S10 chip, which brings a big performance boost. It enables on-device Siri, so tasks like setting a timer or starting a workout are faster and more private. The S10 chip also introduces new gestures like double-tap and wrist flick, making it possible to control the watch with one hand.
Voice quality also improves thanks to Voice Isolation, which reduces background noise during calls for clearer conversations.
Apple is expanding the Apple Watch For Your Kids program with the SE 3. Parents can set up the watch using their iPhone. It gives kids access to communication, fitness tracking, and safety features without needing their own iPhone. Parents can keep track of location via Find My, while kids enjoy features like phone calls, messaging, Activity goals, and apps.
The new watchOS 26 update brings a fresh look with a Liquid Glass design, new watch faces like Flow and Exactograph, and smarter widgets. It also adds Live Translation in Messages, the Notes app, and helpful features like Hold Assist and Call Screening when paired with an iPhone.
The watch maintains an 18-hour all-day battery life, the same as the previous model. The watch also introduces fast charging, which Apple says is up to 2x quicker than before. A 15-minute charge can now provide up to eight hours of use, making it easier to top up before heading out or even after a short break.
Price and Availability
The Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249 and is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, with midnight and starlight aluminum case options. Pre-orders are live now, and the watch will be available in stores starting Friday, September 19. Buyers also get three months of Apple Fitness+ and Apple Music for free.
