Everything we’ve heard about the Apple Watch SE 3

The Apple Watch SE 3 is larger, faster, and smarter

✨The Apple Watch SE 3 is expected to retain its aluminium casing but adopt the 41mm and 45mm sizes, offering a larger display that matches flagship models while keeping the same screen technology. It’s expected to include a faster new chip for on-device Siri processing and improved battery life, maintain core health and fitness features, add watchOS 26 upgrades, and possibly introduce sleep apnoea detection. Launching in September 2025 alongside other Apple devices, it will likely be priced similarly to its predecessor.  

Apple Watch SE 3 – everything we know so far 

The Apple Watch SE series stands out by offering great features at a more affordable price. As the Apple Watch SE 2 is starting to feel a bit dated, all eyes are on the upcoming Apple Watch SE 3. It’s expected to drop later this year, likely alongside the iPhone 17 series, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3 this September. That said, there’s already plenty of buzz surrounding the next budget Apple Watch, and here’s everything you need to know.  

A new design

Earlier this year, there were rumours that Apple was considering a colourful, rugged plastic casing for the Apple Watch SE 3. However, it looks like that idea may have been scrapped for two reasons: design and cost issues. According to Apple insider Mark Gurman, Apple’s design team didn’t like the look of the plastic watch, and the operations team was having a hard time making the casing significantly cheaper than the current aluminium chassis. If so, expect the Apple Watch SE 3 to continue using an aluminium casing.  

However, the Watch SE 3 may have a larger display with slimmed-down bezels. DSCC’s Ross Young estimates the displays to be around 1.6-inch and 1.8-inch each. However, as Apple gauges its watch line by case size and not screen size, the sizing mentioned is closest to that of the Apple Watch Series 9’s 41mm and 45mm sizes. Currently, the Apple Watch SE comes in 40mm and 44mm, meaning we’ll get a slight display size boost, and hopefully, the Apple Watch SE 3 might look a lot like the Apple Watch Series 9, a fresh revamp of the design.   

✨The Apple Watch SE 3 will continue with its aluminium casing and adopt the 41mm and 45mm size options that debuted with the Apple Watch Series 7.  

Larger displays 

The next Apple Watch SE might be the biggest yet. As mentioned above, it is rumoured that the third-gen Apple Watch SE could feature larger displays, potentially the exact sizes as those on the regular Apple Watch lineup. Reports suggest that the screens measure approximately 1.6 and 1.8 inches, corner to corner. What does this mean? This means the Watch SE 3 might be getting more room (about 20% more) for information and the Mickey Mouse watch faces. Currently, the second-gen Apple Watch SE comes in 40mm and 44mm cases, and the rumoured sizes fit more with the 41mm and 45mm featured on the Apple Watch Series 7 to 9.  

There are still no reports regarding the Watch SE 3 display features, but the Watch SE 2 features an OLED panel with a Retina display, something we don’t anticipate changing. We are keen to see an upgrade to the Ion-X glass, which scratches easily. A tougher screen would boost durability and provide a better overall experience. We’d also like to see the Watch SE 3 adopt the always-on display tech, a feature that’s a staple on the Apple Watch Series but hasn’t been introduced to the SE line.  

✨The Apple Watch SE 3 is expected to feature a larger display size, matching flagship models’ sizes, while keeping the same screen technology.  

A new, faster chip 

The current Apple Watch SE is powered by the S8 chip, based on the A13 Bionic chip. We expect a new chip for the Apple Watch SE 3 as Apple always brings a new generation of chipsets to its upgraded devices. The Watch SE 3 might run on the S9 chip built on the A15 Bionic, though there’s a possibility of the S10 making an appearance. A new S9/S10 SiP (System in Package) chip would improve app speeds on the Apple Watch SE and enable Siri to handle commands directly on the watch. At the moment, Siri cannot access health information on the Apple Watch SE, but that could change with the Watch SE 3 getting a new chip. 

Regarding battery life, there’s still no word on the Watch SE 3’s battery, but the 2022 Apple Watch SE had a 245mAh battery lasting about 18 hours. At a minimum, we expect the Apple Watch SE 3 to spot a bigger battery, and with some software optimisation, maybe last past the 24-hour mark. The Apple Watch Series 7 brought fast charging to Apple’s smartwatch lineup, but the 2022 Apple Watch SE didn’t get that feature. We imagine that the third-gen Apple Watch SE will probably offer fast charging.  

✨The Apple Watch SE 3 is expected to feature a faster new chip, likely enabling on-device processing for Siri commands and improved battery life.  

Health upgrades and new software 

While the Apple Watch SE 3 is expected to include more features, chances are, much of what you loved in its predecessor will stick around. Expect the new model to include a variety of watch faces, heart rate tracking, activity tracking, Siri, fall and crash detection, family setup, and support for watchOS apps. As the budget line of the Apple Watch series, we don’t expect the third-gen Apple Watch SE to pack premium features like blood oxygen monitoring or body temperature sensing. Like its predecessor, the focus will probably be on core health and fitness tracking, with the top-tier features staying in the flagship range. 

Although not necessarily part of the rumours, we expect Apple to include new health features in the Apple Watch SE 3. The latest Apple Watch models offer sleep apnoea detection and an ECG reader. At least one of these features may be included in Apple’s more affordable smartwatch, with sleep apnoea detection being the most likely, as it doesn’t require any additional hardware. For software, the third-gen Watch SE 3 is expected to launch with watchOS 26, bringing noticeable upgrades in both design and smart features.  

✨The Apple Watch SE 3 is expected to retain core health and fitness features from its predecessor, add watchOS 26 upgrades, and possibly introduce sleep apnoea detection.  

Apple Watch SE 3 release date and price 

All signs point to the Apple Watch SE 3 being released in September 2025 alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and the iPhone 17 series. The new smartwatch is expected during the week of September 8th, and if Apple follows its usual timeline, expect the Watch SE 3 to hit the shelves shortly after the announcement. Regarding price, nothing is concrete since the Watch SE 3 doesn’t exist yet, but we can look to the previous generation for guidance. Here’s how the models lined up: 

We don’t see Apple raising its prices for the new model, as it wouldn’t want to get too close to the premium models. As such, we expect the Apple Watch SE 3 to be priced similarly to the second-generation model it’s replacing.  

✨The Apple Watch SE 3 is expected to launch in September 2025 alongside other Apple devices, with pricing likely similar to its predecessor.  

Trade in your old tech for cash 

Turn your old gadgets into cash with Back Market’s Trade-in program. Whether it’s an old phone, tablet, laptop, or smartwatch, simply tell us what you have, get an instant quote, and ship it for free. Once your device is verified, you will receive payment. It’s a great way to give your tech a second life while saving the planet.  

Should I buy the Apple Watch SE 3?  

You should buy the Apple Watch SE 3 if you’re using an old-generation Apple Watch or thinking about acquiring your first but don’t want to spend a lot. It’s a good pick if you’re not sure a smartwatch is really for you. The Apple Watch SE 3 is also an excellent option for kids, as it is budget friendly.  

You should not buy the Apple Watch SE 3 if you’ve recently purchased a new smartwatch, which should be perfectly fine for a few years. The Watch SE 3 is also not for you if you want premium features, as these are offered on the flagship series. It would be better to opt for one of those watches.  

Smartwatches don’t have to be quick-turnover gadgets that demand constant upgrades. By choosing a refurbished Apple Watch SE 3, you’ll still get all the essentials, including fitness tracking, health insights, and seamless Apple integration, of course, without the premium price tag. By choosing refurbished tech, you reduce the demand for new production, which is a leading producer of e-waste and carbon emissions. Instead of annual upgrades, opt for refurbished devices to keep perfectly good tech in circulation, which helps you save more while making an eco-conscious choice for the planet.