Apple Watch SE 3 (Rumored): What to Expect
Apple is expected to update its most affordable smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE, at the upcoming “Awe Dropping” September event. The Apple Watch SE has not received a major update in years, making this refresh especially important for entry-level buyers.
While it will still be positioned as the budget-friendly Apple Watch, the SE 3 could close the gap with flagship models in performance and design.
Apple Watch SE 3 Expected Changes
| Category | Expected Update | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Design | New display sizes / updated casing | Likely shift to 41mm and 45mm sizes (Series 7-style design) |
| Display | Larger screens | Approx. 1.6-inch and 1.8-inch display sizes |
| Chip | S11 chip | Major performance upgrade over S8 in current SE |
| Performance | Faster and more responsive | Improved speed, multitasking, and app loading |
| Siri | On-device processing | Faster Siri responses without relying heavily on iPhone |
| Gestures | Double Tap support | Likely support for gesture-based controls |
| Storage | Increased capacity | More room for apps and media |
Design: Bigger, Modernized Look
The Apple Watch SE 3 is expected to adopt a more modern design based on the Apple Watch Series 7 generation.
| Feature | Current SE | Expected SE 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Case Sizes | 40mm / 44mm | 41mm / 45mm |
| Display | Older, thicker bezels | Larger display with thinner borders |
| Shape | Older casing design | Slimmer, more modern case |
Key takeaway:
The SE 3 may finally shed its older design language and look closer to modern Apple Watch models.
Performance Upgrade: S11 Chip
The biggest upgrade is expected to be the S11 chip, which brings major improvements over the current SE’s S8 chip.
| Chip Comparison | Result |
|---|---|
| S8 (current SE) | Basic performance tier |
| S11 (expected SE 3) | Faster, more efficient, modern Apple Watch performance |
What this enables:
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Smoother overall performance
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On-device Siri processing
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Faster app launching
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Support for modern watchOS features like gestures
Health Features: Limited but Improved
The SE lineup traditionally lacks advanced health sensors, and that is expected to continue.
| Feature | SE 3 Expected Status |
|---|---|
| ECG | Not included |
| Blood Oxygen | Not included |
| Heart Rate Tracking | Included |
| Sleep Tracking | Included |
| Sleep Apnea Detection | Possible (hardware already capable) |
| Sensor Upgrade | Possibly third-generation optical heart sensor |
Key takeaway:
The SE 3 may gain better basic health accuracy, but will still remain below flagship models in medical-style features.
Plastic Casing Rumor (Possibly Cancelled)
Apple was reportedly exploring a colorful plastic SE design, similar to the iPhone 5c, but:
| Rumor | Status |
|---|---|
| Plastic colorful SE | Likely cancelled |
| Reason | Design concerns + difficulty lowering cost vs aluminum |
Current expectation:
The SE 3 will likely continue using an aluminum casing, maintaining a familiar look.
Pricing Expectations
| Model | Expected Price |
|---|---|
| Apple Watch SE 3 (40/41mm) | $249 |
| Apple Watch SE 3 (44/45mm) | $279 |
Key takeaway:
Apple is expected to keep pricing stable to maintain the SE’s role as a budget-friendly entry point.
Launch Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Apple Event | September 9 |
| Pre-orders | September 12 (expected) |
| Release | September 19 (expected) |
Summary
The Apple Watch SE 3 is shaping up to be a major internal upgrade with a familiar budget identity:
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Newer, larger display design (likely Series 7-based)
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Much faster S11 chip
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Improved responsiveness and smart features
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Limited health upgrades compared to premium models
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Likely same affordable pricing strategy