Apple introduced on Tuesday the third-generation Apple Watch SE at the September 2025 “Awe Dropping” event, bringing more modern features to the most affordable offering in the smartwatch family. With a new display, more health sensors, and an upgraded processor, it brings more of the banner features of the latest flagship models to more people–all without raising the price.
The most obvious new feature of the SE 3 is the addition of the always-on display from recent models. Though not the LTPO3 display present on the Series 10 and newer that refreshes every second, the display will allow users to show off their watch faces even when the device is not immediately in use.
The new model also features the body temperature sensor present on the Apple Watch Series 8 and newer. It cannot provide direct temperature readings to the degree; however, it will allow for nightly wrist temperature tracking and retrospective ovulation tracking for women. The new watch will also send notifications when it detects sleep apnea.
The SE 3 is powered by the same S10 chip included in the Apple Watch Series 10 and Series 11. It includes a four-core neural engine that helps to power on-device Siri support with access to health data. The System-in-Package (SiP) is more capable of processing motion data and brings the double tap and wrist flick gestures to the budget model for the first time.
Apple is bringing even more new features to the budget model to bring it in line with the flagships. This SE is the first to support fast charging, going from zero to 80-percent in about 45 minutes, according to Apple’s estimates. It will also support 5G, in line with the new Series 11. The speaker also supports media playback directly from the watch without the need for a Bluetooth audio device.
The most notable features still omitted from the SE 3 include the ECG sensor, blood oxygen tracking (which is still complicated due to Apple’s lengthy patent dispute with Masimo), hypertension notifications, depth gauge, and water temperature sensor. The device also uses the design language of the previous SE 2, rather than the thinner and wider design the flagship watches have used since Series 10.
Apple Watch SE 3 is available in the same 40mm and 44mm case sizes as the previous model with 100% recycled aluminum cases in Midnight and Starlight. The 40mm model starts at $249 and the 44mm model starts at $279, and you can add on cellular capabilities for an additional $50. Pre-orders are open now, and the first customers will receive their orders on Friday, September 19.
