Apple Watch SE 3 release date expectations, price estimates, and upgrades

Apple has made the Apple Watch SE models stand out by offering great features at a more budget-friendly price. With the Apple Watch SE 2 (2022) starting to feel a bit outdated, we’re anticipating the debut of the Apple Watch SE 3 later this year.

This new model is expected to adopt the sleek design of the Apple Watch Series 8, including its larger displays and casing sizes. We also anticipate an upgrade to the S9 chip, which is based on the A15 Bionic chip, at the very least.

The Apple Watch SE 3 should come with enhanced sensors, additional features, and faster charging capabilities. While leaks and rumors are still limited, we’re drawing on the available info and past trends to offer some educated guesses about what to expect. 

*probable dates

If history is any guide, we should see the Apple Watch SE 3 drop later this year, alongside the iPhone 16 series and the Apple Watch Series 10. Apple tends to stick to a two-year cycle for its SE models: the original Watch SE launched in 2020, followed by the second generation in 2022. That would make 2024 the perfect time for the third generation.

Of course, Apple could always shake things up and delay the release, but as it stands, everything points to a 2024 launch.

*probable prices

One thing’s for sure: the Apple Watch SE 3 will be more budget-friendly compared to the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10. The current SE model starts at $249, and it would be great to see the new version stick to a similar price without any increases.

According to trusted Apple insider Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the Watch SE 3 might even be cheaper than its predecessor, which would be a pleasant surprise.

Apple has reportedly been testing a switch from aluminum to rigid plastic for the next-generation SE, possibly to lower costs and better compete with Samsung’s more affordable Galaxy Watch FE, which is priced at $199. If these rumors hold true, it could make the SE 3 a fantastic value for those looking for a budget-friendly option.

As I’ve noted, details about the upcoming Apple Watch SE 3 are still pretty scarce, especially regarding its design. However, analyst David Hsieh from Omdia has shared some insights suggesting that the SE 3 might mirror the size options of the Apple Watch Series 8, which also means the latest Watch Series 9. This means we could see it in 41mm and 45mm case sizes, compared to the 40mm and 44mm sizes of the current SE model.

As for charging, there might be some improvements. The Apple Watch Series 7 introduced fast charging, which gets you up to 80% in about 45 minutes. This feature wasn’t available on the SE 2, but it’s possible Apple could include it in the SE 3.

• A variety of watch faces: Choose from many designs to customize your watch’s look.
• Support for watchOS apps: Access a range of apps like Reminders, Activity, Messages, Heart Rate, Settings, and Mail, plus many more from the App Store.
• Heart rate tracking: Get notifications for high and low heart rates.
• Activity tracking: Monitor calories burned, steps taken, distance walked, sleep, and even cycle tracking.
• Siri: Always accessible right on your wrist.
• Fall detection and crash detection: Enhanced safety features.
• Family Setup: Pair the watch with your iPhone but let your kids use it.

However, don’t expect features like an always-on display, Blood Oxygen tracking, ECG, or body temperature sensing to make their way to the SE 3. The previous SE models have focused on essential health tracking, with more advanced features reserved for the main Apple Watch series. If any new health capabilities are added, ECG tracking might be the most likely addition, as it debuted with the Series 4 back in 2018.

For software, the Watch SE 3 will likely launch with watchOS 11, which will bring new AI-driven features like automatically selecting a watch face from your photos, as well as updates for health and fitness, including the new Training Load function and a standalone Vitals app.

The second-generation Apple Watch SE is powered by the S8 chip, which is built on the A13 Bionic. For the third-gen Apple Watch SE, we’re expecting an upgrade to at least the S9 chip, which is based on the A15 Bionic. There’s even a chance it could come with the S10 chip, which is rumored to debut with the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10.If Apple goes with the S10, we might see some exciting advancements like on-device processing for Siri commands and a potential leap toward Apple Intelligence features in the future. Additionally, 2024 could be the year Apple finally updates the optical heart sensor on the budget-friendly Apple Watch SE.

• You should wait for the Apple Watch SE 3 if you’re still using an older Apple Watch or are thinking about getting your first one but don’t want to splurge.  Or maybe if you aren’t sure if wearing a smartwatch will be your thing. The Watch SE 3 could also be a perfect option for children. Plus, considering that the Watch SE 3 is expected soon and at a lower price, waiting for it is a better decision than getting the current model.

• You should not wait for the Apple Watch SE 3 if you’ve recently gotten a new smartwatch and are perfectly fine using it for several years to come. Also, if you want more advanced features and a premium feel, which can be found in Apple’s main Watch series, it’s better to go for one of those models.