The Apple Watch SE lineup has always been Apple’s best budget smartwatch, offering core Apple Watch features at a more affordable price. With the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) now aging, many users are asking the same question:
👉 When will Apple Watch SE 3 be released, and what new features can we expect?
In this article, we break down all credible leaks, analyst reports, and realistic expectations for the Apple Watch SE 3, based on Apple’s release patterns and supply-chain rumors.
⚠️ Important: Apple has not officially announced the Apple Watch SE 3 yet. Everything below is based on leaks and expectations, clearly marked and not confirmed.
Quick Summary (For Readers in a Hurry)
- Expected release: September 2025 or 2026
- Positioning: Budget Apple Watch
- Expected price: Same or slightly higher than SE 2
- Biggest expected upgrades: New chip, better battery efficiency, improved display
Expected Release Date
Apple typically refreshes the SE line every 2–3 years.
Apple Watch SE history:
- SE (1st gen): 2020
- SE (2nd gen): 2022
📅 Expected SE 3 release:
➡️ September 2025 or September 2026, alongside a new Apple Watch Series model.
Most analysts lean toward 2025, as SE 2 hardware is now dated.
Expected Design & Build
What will likely stay the same:
- Aluminum case
- Rounded Apple Watch design
- Two size options (40mm / 44mm or similar)
- Interchangeable Apple Watch bands
What might change:
- Slightly thinner bezels
- Lighter materials
- New color options aimed at younger users
🚫 Unlikely upgrades:
- No titanium
- No sapphire crystal
- No rugged Ultra-style design
Expectation: Familiar look with subtle refinements.
Expected Display Improvements
The SE line traditionally lacks premium display features.
SE 2 limitations:
- No Always-On Display
- Lower brightness than Series models
SE 3 expected upgrades:
- Brighter Retina OLED display
- Better outdoor visibility
- Still no Always-On Display (to protect Series sales)
Verdict: Small but welcome display improvement.
Expected Performance & Chip
This is where the biggest upgrade is expected.
Possible chip options:
- S9 chip (used in Series 9 & Ultra 2)
- Or a newer S10-based variant optimized for efficiency
What this would improve:
- Faster app loading
- Smoother animations
- Better battery efficiency
- Support for newer watchOS features
Expectation: Major speed upgrade over SE 2.
Expected Battery Life
Apple Watch SE 2 offers:
- ~18 hours of battery life
SE 3 expectations:
- Similar rated battery (18 hours)
- Better real-world efficiency
- Slightly longer endurance due to newer chip
🚫 Multi-day battery life is unlikely.
Expected Health & Fitness Features
Apple usually limits advanced health tools on SE models.
Likely included:
- Heart rate monitoring
- Crash Detection
- Fall Detection
- Emergency SOS
- Sleep tracking
- Fitness & workout tracking
Unlikely features:
- ❌ ECG
- ❌ Blood oxygen
- ❌ Body temperature tracking
Reason: Apple keeps these exclusive to higher models.
Software & watchOS Support
Apple Watch SE 3 will:
- Ship with the latest watchOS
- Receive 5+ years of software updates
- Support most fitness and lifestyle features
Some advanced UI or health features may remain Series-only.
Expected Connectivity
- GPS version standard
- Optional Cellular version
- Bluetooth & Wi-Fi
- Full iPhone integration
No satellite connectivity expected.
Expected Price
Pricing is crucial for SE buyers.
Apple Watch SE 2 launch prices:
- GPS: ~$249
- Cellular: ~$299
SE 3 expected pricing:
- GPS: $249–$279
- Cellular: $299–$329
Apple aims to keep SE as the most affordable Apple Watch.
Who Should Wait for Apple Watch SE 3?
✔️ First-time Apple Watch buyers
✔️ Budget-focused users
✔️ Students & casual users
✔️ People upgrading from very old models (Series 4 or earlier)
Who Should NOT Wait?
❌ Users wanting advanced health features
❌ Athletes or outdoor adventurers
❌ Anyone who needs Always-On Display
These users should consider Series models or Ultra.
Apple Watch SE 3 vs SE 2 (Expected Comparison)
| Feature | SE 2 | SE 3 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | S8 | S9 or newer |
| Speed | Good | Faster |
| Battery | 18h | Slightly better |
| Display | Standard | Brighter |
| Health | Basic | Basic |
| Price | Lower | Slightly higher |
Final Verdict
The Apple Watch SE 3 is shaping up to be a solid budget refresh, not a revolution. If leaks are accurate, it will offer better performance, smoother software, and improved efficiency, while keeping the price accessible.
👉 If you already own an SE 2, upgrading may not be necessary.
👉 If you’re using an older Apple Watch or buying your first one, SE 3 could be the best value Apple Watch when it launches.