Key Facts

• Launch Timing: The Apple Watch SE 3 is expected to debut at Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event on September 9, 2025, alongside the iPhone 17 and new Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 models macrumors.com techradar.com. It would be the first SE refresh in three years (the SE 2 launched in Sept 2022) techradar.com, following Apple’s pattern of updating the SE line on a longer cycle.
• Design & Display: Rumors point to a larger display and updated design for the SE 3. Apple may adopt the Series 7/8 style with 41 mm and 45 mm case sizes (up from the current 40/44 mm) and slimmer bezels for more screen real estate macrumors.com macworld.com. In other words, the SE 3 could finally move to the newer Apple Watch form factor, making it look more modern and closer to recent flagship models. However, it’s unclear if an Always-On Display (AOD) will be included – previous SE models lacked AOD to keep costs down, though some analysts hope Apple might add it this time techradar.com macworld.com.
• Processor Upgrade: The SE 3 is expected to get Apple’s latest S11 chip, the same next-gen processor used in the high-end Series 11 and Ultra 3 watches macrumors.com tomsguide.com. The S11 chip architecture is reportedly similar to the S9/S10 chips, but it will be a huge improvement over the S8 in the current SE 2 tomsguide.com. This means the SE 3 should be snappier and unlock advanced features introduced in recent models – for example, on-device Siri processing and the new double-tap gesture control (a feature Series 9 debuted) are likely to be supported thanks to the S11’s Neural Engine macrumors.com theverge.com.
• Health and Sensors: Like its predecessors, the SE 3 is expected to omit some of Apple’s high-end health sensorsto stay affordable. The current SE lacks ECG, blood-oxygen (SpO₂) monitoring, and body temperature tracking, and most sources expect those omissions to continue macrumors.com. Apple will focus on core wellness features: heart rate monitoring, fitness and sleep tracking, fall detection, etc., which the SE already handles. One possible upgrade is a newer optical heart rate sensor – the SE 3 might get the Series 7’s improved third-gen heart sensor (the SE 2 still uses a second-gen sensor) macrumors.com for better accuracy. Overall, any cutting-edge health features Apple introduces in the Series 11 will likely not trickle down to the SE 3 macrumors.com. (Notably, one report speculates Apple could finally enable the ECG function on the SE 3, but this remains unconfirmed macworld.com.)
• “Kid-Friendly” Model: Multiple leaks suggest Apple has considered making the SE 3 more kid-friendly in both design and marketing. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple tested a colorful all-plastic casing for the SE 3, potentially to offer a wider palette of bright colors and lower the cost tomsguide.com theverge.com. A plastic Apple Watch SE would hark back to the vibrant iPhone 5c and could make the watch more durable (and less pricey) for children. Gurman described Apple’s goal as making the SE more “kid-friendly” with a better array of colors theverge.com. However, newer reports in 2025 indicate this plastic model ran into design and cost issuesand may have been scrapped or delayed macrumors.com macworld.com. If so, the SE 3 will likely stick with the standard aluminum case (in a few neutral colors like Midnight, Starlight, and Silver), though Macworld says we might still see brighter, fun color options aimed at kids if Apple wants to court that market macworld.com.
• Price Expectations: Apple is widely expected to keep the Apple Watch SE 3 at an affordable price point. The current SE 2 starts at $249 (40 mm GPS) and $279 (44 mm) in the US, and sources say a similar pricing for SE 3 is likely macrumors.com. Apple has been marketing the SE especially to parents buying for kids or budget-conscious users, so maintaining a sub-$300 price is strategic macrumors.com. Some insiders even speculate a price drop could be in store – for example, Mark Gurman has suggested Apple might target around $199 for the base SE 3 if the cost savings of a plastic chassis pan out laptopmag.com. A sub-$200 Apple Watch would be a big deal, making it much more accessible. That said, absent the plastic makeover, a drastic price cut is less certain. At the very least, no price hike is expected for the SE 3, bucking the trend of rising tech prices macrumors.com.
• Release and Availability: If announced on September 9, the Apple Watch SE 3 should go up for pre-order within days and hit stores by mid-September 2025. In fact, rumors point to pre-orders starting September 12 and an official release date around September 19, 2025 macrumors.com – aligning with Apple’s usual timeline (products typically launch about 1½ weeks after the keynote). This means consumers won’t have long to wait to get their hands on Apple’s newest budget smartwatch.
• Apple’s Strategy: The SE 3 plays a key role in Apple’s smartwatch lineup and strategy. It serves as the entry-level Apple Watch, allowing Apple to capture budget-minded buyers and those new to smartwatches. Analysts note the wearables market is increasingly price-sensitive, with consumers gravitating toward cheaper devices in recent years 9to5mac.com. The SE is Apple’s answer to that trend: it delivers the core Apple Watch experience at a lower price, expanding Apple’s addressable market without heavily cannibalizing the flagship watch sales. Apple also pitches the SE as an ideal watch for kids/teens (often via the Family Setup feature that lets an Apple Watch be used without the child owning an iPhone). In fact, Apple has touted the SE to parents as a kid’s first device, and keeping its price low is crucial to that pitch macrumors.com. With the SE 3, Apple appears to be doubling down on this strategy – possibly with kid-friendly colors, marketing that highlights it as a smartphone alternative for kids, and features like cellular connectivity for safety. All told, the SE line is about driving volume and hooking new users into the Apple ecosystem, while offering an affordable option so Apple doesn’t cede the lower end of the smartwatch market to competitors.

Rumored Features and Upgrades in Apple Watch SE 3

Modernized Design & Larger Display: The Apple Watch SE 3 is expected to get a much-needed design refresh. The current SE (2nd-gen) looks like the older Series 4/5, but the SE 3 may leap forward to the Series 7/8 generation design. That means slimmer bezels and slightly larger screens: about 1.6″ and 1.8″ displays in the two models macrumors.com, corresponding to roughly 41 mm and 45 mm case sizes (vs. 40/44 mm on the SE 2). In practical terms, users can expect a larger, more edge-to-edge screen that can show more text and complications. The casing might also be a bit thinner and more curved, since the Series 7 design introduced a subtly slimmer build with softer edges. Essentially, the SE 3 should look a lot more like a modern Apple Watch rather than the 2018-era look of the SE 2. One thing to watch is whether Apple finally includes an Always-On Display. All flagship Apple Watches since Series 5 have an AOD mode, but the SE models have omitted always-on to save cost and battery. Enthusiasts argue an AOD is “hugely useful” on a smartwatch and hope the SE 3 adds this feature techradar.com. It may depend on the display hardware Apple uses – an LTPO panel is needed for power-efficient always-on. So far there’s no solid leak confirming an AOD on SE 3, so it might remain a differentiator (i.e. SE 3 likely won’t have it unless Apple surprises us techradar.com). Aside from that, the SE 3’s screen resolution and quality should be on par with recent models in its size class, just without some high-end touches (for example, it will be aluminum, not the stainless steel or titanium you find on premium models, and probably with Ion-X strengthened glass instead of sapphire crystal used on steel models).

S11 Chip & Performance Boost: One of the biggest upgrades for the SE 3 will be under the hood. It’s getting the new Apple S11 system-on-chip, which is the same silicon powering the upcoming flagship Series 11 watch macrumors.com. Notably, the S11 is said to be architecturally similar to the S9 and S10 chips from the Series 9/10, but any way you slice it, it’s a leap over the older S8 chip in the SE 2 tomsguide.com. For context, the SE 2’s S8 was already pretty fast (it was the 2022 chip also used in Series 8), but the S9 (2023) introduced a new dual-core CPU and Neural Engine that enabled features like on-device Siri and gesture controls. The SE 3 getting S11 means it inherits those advancements. Users can expect snappier app launches, smoother navigation, and longer support for future watchOS updates. More intriguingly, the S11 should allow the SE 3 to support the latest watchOS 26 features without compromise – Apple’s demos of watchOS 26 (which will ship on the SE 3) include things like an AI-powered fitness coach and system-wide design changes techradar.com techradar.com, which the S11 will handle easily. Two headline features from Series 9 likely to appear on SE 3 thanks to the new chip are: on-device Siri (requests processed on the watch itself for speed and offline use) and the new “double tap” gesture, where tapping your thumb and forefinger together lets you control the watch one-handed (useful for answering calls, stopping timers, etc.) macrumors.com theverge.com. These were enabled by the Neural Engine in S9/S10, so the S11 in SE 3 should include them. In short, the budget Apple Watch will run on a flagship-class engine – MacRumors notes the S11 will be a “major improvement” over the SE 2’s chip, making the SE 3 feel more responsive and capable of new tricks macrumors.com.

Core Features – What’s Included (and What’s Missing): The Apple Watch SE series is all about balancing essential features with cost-saving omissions. The SE 3 will include almost all the everyday functionality most users need. Expect comprehensive activity and fitness tracking (with GPS, heart rate monitoring, workout detection, etc.), high/low heart rate and irregular rhythm notifications, sleep tracking, and safety features like fall detection and Crash Detection (the SE 2 added Crash Detection, and SE 3’s new chip will continue to support it). It will run the latest watchOS 26 out of the box, so it gets the new software goodies like the overhauled widgets interface (Smart Stack) and potentially some AI-driven features (e.g. personalized coaching, if not limited to higher models) techradar.com. The SE 3 will also support Apple services like Apple Pay, Fitness+, and the Compass/Backtrack for hiking, just as the SE 2 did.

Where the SE traditionally scales back is on advanced health sensors. The SE 3 is not expected to have an electrocardiogram (ECG) capability or a blood oxygen sensor, which are standard on the Series 9/10 and Apple Watch Ultra macrumors.com. It also likely won’t feature the body temperature sensor introduced in Series 8 (used for cycle tracking and overnight temperature trends). These omissions help Apple differentiate the pricier models. One rumor, however, suggests Apple might enable ECG on the SE 3 macworld.com – if true, it would mean adding the electrical heart sensor (the digital crown and electrodes) that’s been in every Series watch since the Series 4. This would be a significant value-add for the SE, but it’s speculative; most analysts think Apple will keep ECG exclusive to the main line to justify the price gap. Likewise, an SpO₂ sensor (for blood oxygen) is probably not in the cards for SE 3. Apple hasn’t indicated any plan to bring that down-market yet.

One hardware upgrade that seems plausible is a better optical heart rate sensor. The SE 2 inherited the older second-gen optical sensor from Series 4/5, but Apple could give SE 3 the newer third-gen sensor that first appeared in Series 6/7 macrumors.com. This could improve heart rate accuracy during workouts and enable features like Sleep Apnea detection. Notably, Apple’s latest algorithms in watchOS can use variations in breathing during sleep (captured via the heart rate sensor and accelerometer) to screen for signs of sleep apnea. The SE 2 already has the necessary hardware to monitor respiratory rate in sleep, so the SE 3 will certainly have it too, and Apple might highlight that capability if it rolls out official sleep apnea alerts macrumors.com.

Connectivity and Other Specs: The Apple Watch SE 3 will come in GPS-only and Cellular + GPS variants, as is standard. Cellular capability (LTE) allows the watch to make calls, send texts, and stream music without an iPhone nearby – useful if it’s being given to a child or used for emergency scenarios. It’s expected the SE 3 will support LTE (4G) like before; a jump to 5G in the Apple Watch line is rumored for the Series 11 and Ultra 3 but not for the SE macworld.com macworld.com. So the SE 3 likely sticks to 4G, which is fine for its purposes. It will include the usual GPS/GNSS for location, Wi-Fi (probably upgraded to 5 GHz Wi-Fi like the Series 9 did), and Bluetooth (likely 5.3, same as recent models). One question is whether it gets the new Ultra Wideband chip – Apple introduced a U2 chip in Series 9 for Precision Find, but the SE 2 did not have any U1/UWB chip. Apple might omit UWB again on SE 3 to cut costs, meaning it wouldn’t have the precise locating feature for iPhone or AirTag. There’s little rumor info on this, so we’ll have to see.

Battery life on the SE 3 should remain around 18 hours (typical use) – essentially “all-day battery life.” With watchOS optimizations and the efficient S11 chip, we might see a slight improvement or at least better maintenance of battery when using new features. The SE models tend to have slightly longer battery life in practice than the flagship, partly because they lack always-on display and some power-hungry sensors. For instance, the SE 2 could often stretch to nearly 2 days on a charge if used lightly. The SE 3 may continue that tradition – Apple might not claim more than 18 hours officially, but users could get a bit more in real-world use, especially if Apple doesn’t enable an always-on screen.

New Software (watchOS 26): Although not a hardware feature per se, it’s worth noting the SE 3 will ship with watchOS 26, and this software update brings a number of enhancements that SE 3 owners will enjoy. Apple has aligned watchOS numbering with the year (so “26” corresponds to 2026 features) techradar.com. Some expected highlights include a refreshed UI design (“Liquid Glass” aesthetic for the interface), an AI-powered “Workout Buddy” that gives personalized fitness coaching and pep talks based on your activity data macworld.com, improved gesture controls(beyond just double-tap, possibly new hand motions to dismiss notifications, etc.), and even a proper Apple Notes app on the watch for the first time techradar.com. These features will run on all new Apple Watches, including the SE 3, thanks to its S11 chip. So even though SE 3 may not have all the sensors, it will be running the same software as the Series 11, ensuring budget users don’t miss out on the general improvements in user experience and app ecosystem.

Expected Release Date and Pricing Details

Apple is very likely to unveil the Apple Watch SE 3 on September 9, 2025 at its fall product event (cheekily dubbed “Awe Dropping”) macrumors.com techradar.com. This is the annual keynote where new iPhones are the stars (in this case, iPhone 17), but Apple almost always launches new Apple Watch models alongside. In fact, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurmanreported as early as January 2025 that the plan was to launch the third-gen SE in the second half of 2025 alongside the flagship watches techradar.com. With Apple sending out invites for a Sept 9 event, all signs indicate the SE 3 will be part of that lineup.

If Apple follows precedent, pre-orders for the Watch SE 3 should open within a day or two of the announcement (likely Friday, Sept 12, 2025) macrumors.com. The official release – when the SE 3 is available in stores and starts shipping to customers – is expected around Sept 19, 2025 macrumors.com. This timing would mirror previous years (for example, in 2022 Apple announced the SE 2 on Sept 7 and it hit stores on Sept 16). So by the second half of September, consumers should be able to purchase the SE 3 worldwide.

In terms of pricing, Apple will aim to keep the SE 3 in the affordable range that the SE line is known for. The current Apple Watch SE (2022) model starts at $249 USD for the 40 mm (GPS only) and $279 for the 44 mm size macrumors.com. Cellular versions add about $50-$50 more. When Apple launched the SE 2, it actually dropped the price slightly from the original SE (which was $279) down to $249, despite adding a newer chip. Most insiders believe Apple will stick very close to $249 as the base price for SE 3 macrumors.com. As MacRumors notes, Apple likely wants to keep the SE attractive to its target buyers (including parents shopping for their kids), and “raising the price would impact Apple’s efforts to market the device to kids” macrumors.com. So a price hike seems unlikely.

Could it be cheaper? Yes, there is buzz about a possible price cut. Over the past year, Apple has faced new competition in the budget smartwatch space (more on that in the next section), and there have been rumors that Apple might respond aggressively on price. In mid-2024, reports emerged that Apple was exploring a lower-cost build for the SE (using plastic) specifically to shave off cost and perhaps hit a lower price point tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. Mark Gurmanspeculated that Apple might drop the SE 3’s starting price to around $200 laptopmag.com. That would be a significantreduction, essentially making Apple Watch SE 3 the cheapest Apple Watch ever at launch. For reference, $199 was the price of the aging Series 3 that Apple sold for years as its budget option – an SE 3 at $199 would bring modern Apple Watch features to that price tier, which is pretty compelling.

Whether Apple actually goes to $199 may depend on whether the rumored cost-cutting measures (like the plastic chassis) materialize. As of mid-2025, it sounds like the all-plastic SE variant might not be ready (or was vetoed by Apple’s design team) macrumors.com. If Apple sticks with aluminum, their component costs remain a bit higher, which could make them hesitant to cut the price too much. It’s possible Apple could split the difference – for example, maybe $229 for 40 mm? But there’s no solid leak on an exact figure. The safest bet is $249 base, and if Apple surprises us with $219 or $199, that will be a very welcome surprise for consumers.

It’s also worth noting regional pricing: in the UK, the current SE starts at £259, and in Australia at AU$399 techradar.com. Those will likely stay in the same ballpark for SE 3 (though currency fluctuations and inflation could cause minor adjustments). Apple generally tries to keep the SE as one of the best value smartwatches in its class, and maintaining or lowering the price is key to that. As TechRadar put it plainly, Apple “will want to keep the Apple Watch SE 3 affordable – it’s the primary reason for the device existing” techradar.com.

Aside from the sticker price, the lineup configuration should be similar: two sizes (small & large), each available in GPS or GPS+Cellular, and likely a limited set of case colors. The SE 2 comes in three aluminum finishes (Midnight, Starlight, Silver), and Apple could introduce a new color for SE 3 (especially if marketing to kids – perhaps a brighter hue). If the plastic model had happened, we might have seen multiple bright colors akin to the old iPhone 5c. Macworld mentions the possibility of “bright yellow and pink” or other iPad-like colors if Apple goes for kid-friendly hues macworld.com. But with plastic casing reportedly in jeopardy, Apple might play it safe with colors this year.

One more factor: with the launch of SE 3, Apple will likely discontinue the SE 2 in its store. Apple’s usual pattern is to replace the older model rather than keep it alongside. So SE 3 will occupy the ~$249 slot, and the higher-end Series watches will occupy their $399+ slots, ensuring a clear pricing ladder.

In summary, expect Apple Watch SE 3 to start around $249, with any move lower being a strategic strike at competitors. The release is timed for late September 2025, perfectly positioned for holiday shoppers and for parents looking at back-to-school tech (as some observers note, a new SE could be a great “phone alternative” for kids amid school smartphone bans laptopmag.com laptopmag.com). Apple likely won’t announce the price until the event, but all signs indicate it will remain one of the most affordable full-featured smartwatches on the market.

How Apple Watch SE 3 Compares to Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 10

The Apple Watch SE 3 may be “budget”, but thanks to its upgrades, it’s closing the gap with Apple’s flagship models. Let’s compare how the SE 3 stacks up against the Apple Watch Series 9 (the 2023 flagship) and the upcoming Series 10(2024 flagship) in key areas:

• Performance: With the S11 chip, the SE 3 actually matches the processing power of the latest flagship (Series 10 is expected to have an S10 or similar chip, and Series 11 has S11 – all of which are in the same family) macrumors.com tomsguide.com. In fact, the SE 3’s performance will exceed that of Series 9 (which runs on the S9 chip) by a small margin. In practical use, Series 9 is already extremely fast, so the SE 3 will feel just as snappy. This is a big shift from the past, where the first-gen SE had an older chip than the flagships. Now, Apple’s budget watch runs on cutting-edge silicon, enabling the same smooth watchOS experience. As Tom’s Guide noted, the architecture of the SE 3’s chip is the same as Series 9/10, which should be a “huge improvement” over the last SE’s processor tomsguide.com. Bottom line: no compromise on speed – the SE 3 can go toe-to-toe with Series 9 and 10 in responsiveness and will support new features like on-device Siri and gesture controls just like the big guys macrumors.com theverge.com.
• Display and Design: There will be some differences here. Series 9 has the Series 7-era design with 41 mm and 45 mm cases (just like what SE 3 is adopting), and an Always-On OLED display with up to 1000 nits brightness (and higher in sunlight for Series 9, actually Series 9 can boost to ~2000 nits). The SE 3 will likely use a similar OLED display panel minus the Always-On capability (unless Apple surprises us). So when comparing SE 3 vs Series 9: they might be the same size and resolution screen, but the Series 9’s screen is always-on and possibly brighter at peak. Against Series 10, the gap might be a bit larger: rumor has it Series 10 introduced a slightly larger display (Series 10 cases reportedly grew to ~42 mm and 46 mm) macworld.com with even thinner bezels. If that’s true, Series 10/11 have the largest Apple Watch displays yet. The SE 3 at 41/45 mm will be a step below that – still a big improvement over older SE, but not quite the edge-to-edge expanse of a Series 10’s screen. Also, Series 10 likely has an Always-On display as standard (all flagships since 5 do), which adds convenience. In terms of build, Series 9 and 10 come in more premium material options (aluminum or stainless steel for Series 9; Series 10 possibly aluminum or a special case if “X”), whereas SE 3 is aluminum-only (or plastic, but likely aluminum). That means no stainless steel or sapphire crystal option on SE. Visually, SE 3 in aluminum will look very similar to an aluminum Series 9 from the front. One subtle difference: Series 9/10 offer more color finishes (Series 9 introduced a Pink aluminum, Series 10 added a Jet Black aluminum option macworld.com). The SE 3 might have fewer colors unless the rumored bright hues happen macworld.com. And finally, Series 9/10 have the new modular buckle bands and are fully compatible with existing band sizes. The SE 3 will also be compatible with the same bands (41 mm SE 3 can use any 41/40 mm band, 45 mm SE 3 uses 45/44 mm bands).
• Health and Sensors: This is where the flagships justify their price. Series 9 and Series 10 include advanced health sensors: an ECG (electrocardiogram) sensor (electrical heart sensor), a Blood Oxygen (SpO₂) sensor, and a Body Temperature sensor (for cycle and sleep tracking). They also have a new second-gen Ultra Wideband chip (in Series 9, called U2) for precision finding and improved connectivity with other devices. By contrast, the SE 3 is expected to omit most of these. It will not have ECG hardware unless Apple has secretly decided otherwise (which would be unprecedented for the SE line) macrumors.com. It will not measure blood oxygen levels with a dedicated sensor. And it likely lacks the body temp sensing capability. So for users who care about ECG readings (for heart rhythm) or blood oxygen saturation, the flagship series still hold an edge. The SE 3 will have the core optical heart rate sensor (for pulse) and accelerometer/gyro (for fall/crash detection, activity tracking). One rumor from Macworld suggested SE 3 might gain an ECG sensor and even an Always-On display macworld.com, which would narrow this gap, but it’s safer to assume Apple keeps those as upsell features for Series models. Also, the Ultra Wideband: Series 9 introduced the U2 chip; if SE 3 doesn’t get it, then only Series 9/10 can do precise locate of an iPhone (useful in Find My). This detail isn’t confirmed, but given the cost, Apple may drop UWB from SE 3 as they did with SE 2. In summary, Series 9/10 are more feature-rich in health tracking, offering capabilities like taking an ECG on your wrist or checking blood oxygen on demand – features the SE 3 will skip to keep the price down macrumors.com.
• Features & Smart Functions: When it comes to general smartwatch features, the SE 3 and Series 9/10 will run the exact same software (watchOS 26), so they all get features like notifications, apps, Apple Pay, music control, etc. However, Series 9 and 10 have some extras enabled by their sensors: e.g., Series 9 can track your blood oxygen at night and even alert high/low VO2 max; they can use the temperature sensor for cycle tracking metrics. The SE 3 won’t have those specific data points. Another point: Series 9/10 have a faster charging capability – Series 7 and later can fast-charge (about 0–80% in ~45 minutes). The SE 2 did not get fast charging (it was stuck at the older slower charge rate). If SE 3’s internals are updated, it’s possible Apple gives it fast-charge support, but if not mentioned, assume it still charges at the normal pace (~2 hours to full). So Series 9/10 might top up quicker than SE 3. On voice assistants, Series 9 introduced on-device Siri processing for certain requests (health queries) – with the S11, SE 3 will also support that macrumors.com. So they’re equal there.
• Durability: All Apple Watches from Series 8 onward (and including SE 2) have 50m water resistance and are swim-proof. The Series models (from Series 7 up) also have IP6X dust resistance. The SE 2 was not IP6X dust certified (because it had an older design). If SE 3 adopts the Series 7 design, it may also gain the IP6X dust resistance rating, which would make it on par with Series 9/10 for dust-proofing. Neither the SE nor the regular Series are particularly rugged (that’s the Ultra’s domain), but all can handle everyday wear. Series models offer more premium glass on the stainless steel version (sapphire front) vs. Ion-X glass on aluminum and on SE. So the flagship can be more scratch-resistant if you buy the steel model. SE 3 will likely only have Ion-X glass, which is strong but can scratch a bit easier than sapphire.
• Battery Life: Apple quotes similar battery life for all these watches – around 18 hours typical use. In practice, Series 9 with Always-On active will drain a bit more in a day, whereas SE (with no AOD) often stretches longer. If you turn off AOD on a Series watch, they can all last about 1.5-2 days. The SE 3 may not differ much here; expect to charge it roughly every day or two, just like Series 9 and 10. There’s no indication that Series 10 improved battery life significantly, as major battery gains usually come with bigger cases or fundamentally new display tech (like the rumored microLED in a future model, but not yet). So battery is essentially a draw across SE 3 and Series 9/10 – all require daily charging for heavy users, though light use could get you into a second day.
• Price Difference: It’s important to note the price gap while comparing these. The Apple Watch Series 9 launched at $399 (41 mm GPS) and up, and Series 10 will likely be in the same range (or slightly more if it had significant redesign costs). The SE 3 is expected around $249. That $150+ difference means the Series models have to justify themselves with those extra features. Many users who don’t need ECG or an always-on display might find the SE 3 provides almost the same experience for considerably less money. On the flip side, tech enthusiasts who want the absolute best Apple Watch features (or the premium look of stainless steel, etc.) will still lean toward the Series 9/10. Apple’s strategy is to offer good, better, best: the SE is the good (most affordable, core features), Series is better (fully loaded mainstream), and Ultra is best (rugged, no-compromise). The SE 3’s improvements – new chip, bigger display – means the “good” tier is getting very good indeed.

In a nutshell, the Apple Watch SE 3 narrows the gap with the Series models in performance and design, sharing the same chip and a similar look to recent flagships. It will feel just as fast and runs the same software. However, Series 9 and 10 still hold key advantages in having advanced health sensors (ECG, SpO2, temperature), an always-on display, and options for more premium materials. If those features matter to you, a Series model might be worth the premium. But if not, the SE 3 is shaping up to be a high-value choice that offers nearly all the essential functionality of Apple’s top watches at a much lower price.

How Does Apple Watch SE 3 Stack Up Against Competitors?

Apple may dominate the smartwatch market, but the Apple Watch SE 3 will still face competition from other wearables, especially in the mid-range and budget segment. Here’s how the upcoming SE 3 compares to some major competitors from Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin:

Samsung Galaxy Watch (Galaxy Watch 6/7 and Galaxy Watch FE): Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series (running Wear OS) is the primary rival to Apple Watch in terms of capabilities. For Android users, the Galaxy Watch 6 (2023) and Galaxy Watch 7 (expected 2024) offer bright OLED displays, sophisticated health tracking, and a rich app ecosystem via Google’s Wear OS. In many ways, the Galaxy Watch feature set parallels Apple’s flagship watches: Samsung includes ECG sensors, blood oxygen, blood pressure monitoring (in some regions), and even a body composition analyzer in its watches. In comparison, the Apple Watch SE 3 is more limited on sensors (no ECG/SpO2 as noted). However, one must consider ecosystem: Galaxy Watches only work with Android phones (and some features only fully work with Samsung phones), whereas Apple Watch only works with iPhone. So for iPhone owners, Galaxy Watch isn’t really an option, and vice versa.

Where Samsung has directly targeted Apple’s SE line is with the new Galaxy Watch FE (Fan Edition). In mid-2024, Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch FE at $199 – a budget-friendly smartwatch with pared-down specs to undercut Apple tomsguide.com. The Galaxy Watch FE essentially took some Galaxy Watch 4 era tech and repackaged it cheaper, but still offers an AMOLED always-on display, heart rate and SpO₂ sensors, and basic fitness/sleep tracking. At $199, Samsung’s Watch FE comes in lower than Apple’s $249 SE price. This likely influenced Apple’s thinking – indeed, speculation about Apple possibly moving to a plastic SE and cutting price was partly to compete with Samsung’s $199 Galaxy Watch FE head-on tomsguide.com. The SE 3, if it stays at $249, will be a bit pricier. But Apple will bank on its stronger integration (Apple Watch’s seamless pairing and iOS integration is still a selling point), and the fact that an iPhone user is unlikely to switch to Samsung just for price.

Comparing features: The Galaxy Watch devices typically have excellent displays (often higher resolution and always-on as standard) and offer better customization (lots of watch faces, third-party apps via Play Store). Apple Watch, on the other hand, has arguably more polished software and a bigger ecosystem of accessories and apps specifically optimized for it. Battery life on Galaxy Watch is similar to Apple Watch – usually around 1-2 days (Wear OS watches haven’t cracked multi-day battery significantly unless you go to low-power modes). One area Samsung might edge out is in native sleep tracking and some advanced metrics, but Apple has caught up a lot in fitness with its Workout app and Fitness+ integration. For someone on iPhone, the SE 3 will remain the go-to, but it’s crucial for Apple to justify that $50 difference against a Galaxy Watch FE by offering things like the newest chip, Apple’s ecosystem perks (Siri, seamless AirPods connections, etc.), and potentially that family setup/kids angle which Samsung doesn’t directly address.

Fitbit Versa and Sense series: Fitbit has long been a player in more affordable smartwatches/fitness watches. Their current top models (as of 2025) include the Fitbit Sense 2 and Fitbit Versa 4 (though Google’s acquisition of Fitbit means we might see fewer new Fitbit-branded watches, focusing instead on Google’s Pixel Watch). The Fitbit Sense 2launched around $299 but often is on sale for ~$200 or less, and it offers a suite of health sensors: ECG, an EDA sensor for stress monitoring, skin temperature trends, and of course heart rate, sleep, and SpO₂. The Fitbit Versa 4 (around $229 at launch) is more basic (no ECG or EDA, mainly focused on fitness tracking). Compared to the Apple Watch SE 3, Fitbits have some pros: multi-day battery life (often 4-6 days on a charge, far exceeding Apple’s ~18-24 hours) and cross-platform compatibility (Fitbits work with both iPhone and Android). They also excel in straightforward health tracking – Fitbit’s sleep analysis is quite detailed, and their app is very user-friendly for step counts, heart rate zones, etc.

However, Fitbits are less capable as general smartwatches. The Apple Watch SE 3 will have a far more powerful processor (Fitbit uses much simpler processors), enabling smoother performance and more complex apps. Apple’s watch can run third-party apps, handle calls and texts directly (especially the cellular model), and has features like fall detection and a rich notification system. Fitbits are more limited – for example, Fitbit’s app ecosystem is minimal and they have no where near the app selection or interactive capabilities. Also, Fitbit lacks features like voice calling on-wrist (Sense 2 has a mic for Alexa, but you can’t take calls on the watch), and music storage/control options have dwindled on Fitbit.

In short, if someone wants a long battery and is mostly focused on health stats (and maybe prefers something that works with any phone), Fitbit is a competitor. But the Apple Watch SE 3 offers a much more robust “smart” experience (and arguably more accurate activity tracking for certain workouts, plus things like onboard GPS for runs – which Fitbit also has, but Apple’s GPS tends to be very precise). Price-wise, the SE 3 at $249 might actually undercut the high-end Fitbit Sense 2’s official price, though in practice Fitbits are often discounted. We could see Apple emphasize that with SE 3 you don’t have to pay a subscription to unlock core features – by contrast, Fitbit now locks some advanced metrics behind their Fitbit Premium service. Apple does have a Fitness+ subscription but it’s entirely optional.

Garmin Watches: Garmin occupies a slightly different niche – catering especially to outdoor enthusiasts and serious fitness folks. Garmin’s lineup is large, but relevant competitors to an Apple Watch SE 3 in price might include the Garmin Venu 3 (a GPS smartwatch with a bright AMOLED display, typically around $400, so pricier), or the Garmin Forerunner series (e.g., Forerunner 265 around $450, or cheaper Forerunner 55/265S in the $200-300 range). Garmin also has some lower-cost models like the Venu Sq 2 (~$250) that offer a lot of bang for buck in fitness tracking. The key selling points of Garmin wearables: exceptional battery life (many Garmins last a week or more on a charge, even with GPS use, especially those with memory-in-pixel transflective displays), advanced training metrics (if you’re a runner or triathlete, Garmin provides detailed data like training load, recovery time, VO₂ max, and has robust on-device GPS navigation features), and they tend to be very durable with high water resistance and often military-grade ruggedness.

Against that, the Apple Watch SE 3 is more of a general-purpose smartwatch that also does fitness. For an everyday user, the Apple Watch has a far superior interface (Garmin’s smart features and touchscreens have improved, but they’re not as fluid or app-rich as Apple’s). Apple’s watch will integrate with your iPhone seamlessly, handle notifications and apps with ease. A Garmin will do notifications and has some limited apps/widgets, but it’s not as dynamic. Garmin vs Apple Watch often comes down to priorities: If you want multi-week battery and pro athlete features (and maybe Android compatibility), Garmin is attractive. If you want a great all-round smartwatch with fitness that’s “good enough” for most (and you’re in the Apple ecosystem), the SE 3 is likely more appealing.

A specific competitor example: The newly released Garmin Forerunner 570 (just a hypothetical example from 2025) might offer bright case colors (Garmin has been adding fun colors – a Tom’s Guide reviewer noted loving the “yellow and pink” option on a Forerunner tomsguide.com) and ultra-long battery, but it won’t let you answer calls from your wrist or use a wide array of apps like the Apple Watch SE can. Garmin also lacks things like a true app store for third parties (they have Connect IQ, but it’s limited).

Other Competitors: It’s worth mentioning Google’s Pixel Watch series. The Pixel Watch (2nd gen launched in 2023, 3rd gen likely in late 2024) is another Wear OS smartwatch that targets Android users with a sleek design and Fitbit-based health features. The Pixel Watch 2 launched at $349, so pricier than an SE 3, but offers things like ECG, Fitbit integration, etc. It’s more a competitor to Apple’s Series watches (for Android folks) than to the SE, but it shows that the $250-$300 range is a bit sparse for high-quality smartwatches in the non-Apple world – which is exactly why the SE is important for Apple, to capture those who might otherwise consider a cheaper wearable.

Value Proposition: Overall, the Apple Watch SE 3’s strongest competition comes from devices like the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE and Fitbit’s watches which undercut it on price, and Garmin’s watches which outdo it in battery life and niche athletic features. Apple’s advantage is the combination of capabilities it offers in one device: it’s a top-tier smartwatch (notifications, apps, Apple services), a very good fitness tracker (with rings, Fitness+ workouts, etc.), and a safety device (fall/crash detection, Emergency SOS). And all of it is tightly integrated with the iPhone. For someone already with an iPhone, the SE 3 is likely the easiest and most functional choice – a Fitbit or Garmin can pair with iPhone, but they won’t have the deep integration (e.g., you can’t respond to iMessages from a Garmin, or use Siri, etc.).

However, Apple does need to be mindful of pricing. If an interested buyer sees a Samsung watch for $199 (and if they happen to use Android), or a Fitbit Versa for $180, the Apple Watch SE 3 at $249 needs to justify that difference. It seems Apple is addressing this by packing in the latest chip (performance and longevity) and possibly adding more value (maybe keeping cellular add-on prices reasonable, or touting family setup for kids). Also, by potentially introducing a more colorful or rugged variant, Apple could appeal to younger consumers in a way competitors have done (Garmin, for instance, has offered bright colors to court a wider audience).

One more angle: Ecosystem lock-in. Apple likely sees the SE 3 as a way to lock new users into its ecosystem early (get a teenager an Apple Watch SE instead of, say, a Fitbit, and they’re more likely to stay with iPhone in the future). Competitors can’t offer that same ecosystem draw for iPhone users, but they try to lure with either lower prices or standout features. The wearables market is growing but “increasingly price-sensitive,” according to IDC researchers 9to5mac.com. That means some consumers will opt for a cheaper alternative if the Apple Watch seems too expensive. The SE 3 is Apple’s counter to that – it’s the least expensive Apple Watch, yet still premium in experience.

In summary, compared to competitors:

• The SE 3 will offer superior app support and integration for iPhone users versus any Samsung/Fitbit/Garmin.
• It will likely have fewer health sensors than Fitbit Sense or Samsung Watch (no ECG on SE 3 vs ECG on those), but it covers the basics well and has unique features like fall detection.
• It won’t beat Garmin on battery longevity or ultra-specialized training tools, but it will be far more versatile as a daily smart device.
• Apple’s build quality and software polish are generally top-notch, which is a strong selling point against some cheaper devices that might feel clunkier.
• If Apple manages to hit a $199-$229 price, the SE 3 could undercut many competitors that historically enjoyed the <$250 space, thus drawing even more users into the Apple fold.

To put it in perspective: A tech analyst might say “Apple isn’t just competing with other watches on specs; it’s competing on the strength of its ecosystem.” The SE 3 is poised to leverage that strength while narrowing the price gap. And with rumors of Apple targeting a more “kid-friendly” approach, it’s clear Apple sees an opening to capture young users that might otherwise get a simpler fitness band or a hand-me-down phone. As one industry observer noted, Apple might even market the SE 3 as a “perfect phone alternative for kids” – a device that keeps kids connected and tracked without giving them a full smartphone, which resonates in an era of school phone bans and screen time concerns laptopmag.com laptopmag.com. Competitors like Samsung or Fitbit haven’t cracked that angle in the same way.

Market Position and Apple’s Strategy for the SE Line

The Apple Watch SE 3 is not just a new gadget; it’s a strategic piece in Apple’s product lineup puzzle. The SE line (short for “Special Edition” or Apple’s code for a value-focused model) is Apple’s play to broaden the Apple Watch marketbeyond the tech enthusiasts and early adopters who buy the flagships every year. Here’s a look at the SE 3’s market position and what it says about Apple’s strategy:

Target Audience – “Everyone” (especially the Budget Conscious and Families): Apple positions the Watch SE as the ideal first Apple Watch for new users or younger users. It’s for those who might find the $399+ Series watches too expensive or unnecessary, but still want an Apple Watch experience. This includes a wide swath of people: teens and college students, parents who want to give their child a device for communication/safety, people upgrading from a basic fitness tracker to a real smartwatch, or even existing Apple Watch owners who don’t feel the need to pay for flagship features again. Apple explicitly has marketed the SE towards parents and kids, especially since the SE supports Family Setup (where a parent can set up an Apple Watch with cellular for a child who doesn’t have an iPhone). Apple’s own marketing materials have highlighted stories of parents using Apple Watch for kids’ communication and health. As MacRumors summarizes, “Apple has been marketing the Apple Watch SE to parents who get the device for their children” macrumors.com – a clear indication that the SE is seen as a kid-friendly smartwatch (a safer, simpler alternative to giving a young teen an iPhone).

The rumored changes in SE 3 underscore this focus: talk of a “more kid-friendly” design with bright colors and plasticsuggests Apple is thinking about how to appeal to kids and make the watch durable and fun theverge.com macworld.com. While that specific idea might not launch immediately if it was delayed, the intent is telling. Apple knows that to expand its watch user base, it needs to capture the next generation (literally). A cheaper, colorful SE that a 10-year-old might wear could get an Apple Watch on the wrist of millions of kids, introducing them to Apple’s ecosystem early on.

Fending Off Lower-Cost Rivals: From a competitive standpoint, the SE is Apple’s answer to the Fitbits and budget Android watches of the world. Apple absolutely dominates the premium smartwatch segment, but in the sub-$250 category, there’s competition (Fitbit, Garmin’s lower end, etc.). By offering a product at $249 (or lower), Apple prevents those competitors from gobbling up the entire low-end market. It’s a classic Apple move: similar to how the iPhone SE in phones or the iPad standard model work – capture budget buyers with an Apple offering so they don’t stray to Android or other platforms. The wearables market has seen increased demand for cheaper devices, with IDC noting a trend of declining average prices as more consumers opt for budget models 9to5mac.com. The Apple Watch SE line directly addresses that trend by giving consumers a relatively inexpensive option rather than forcing “Apple or nothing.” It’s likely helped Apple retain folks who might otherwise get a $150 Fitbit or a $200 Galaxy Watch for cost reasons.

Not Updated Every Year – Cost Control and Market Timing: One interesting aspect of Apple’s strategy is that the SE is not updated annually. The first SE came out in 2020, the second in 2022, and now the third in 2025 – roughly a 2-3 year cadence. This is deliberate. By reusing designs and parts for a longer cycle, Apple keeps costs down and also doesn’t over-saturate the lineup. It allows the flagship Series watches to shine each year with new features, while the SE quietly gets updated only when there’s enough meaningful improvements to justify it (and when manufacturing of those parts becomes cheaper). It also often aligns with when the tech from a couple years prior is “trickled down” – e.g., in 2022 the SE 2 got the chip from that year’s flagship (S8) but not much else new; in 2025 the SE 3 gets the chip and design from recent flagships. This staggered approach means the SE lags slightly in features but catches up in big jumps. Consumers seem fine with this; an SE model can remain in Apple’s lineup unchanged for a couple of years, serving as the budget pick.

From a market perspective, Apple likely times SE releases when it senses a strong opportunity or need. The SE 3 in 2025 comes at a time when the original SE (2020) units are aging and due for replacement, and when competitors like Samsung are making noise at lower price points. Also, Apple Watch’s growth had slowed a bit in recent years (as indicated by some shipment declines 9to5mac.com), so a new SE could stimulate demand in a segment (budget) that still has room to grow.

Balancing Features to Avoid Cannibalization: Apple has to carefully balance what the SE offers so that it doesn’t cannibalize the flagship too much. This is why historically features like ECG, Always-On Display, and newest sensors have been kept exclusive to the higher-end watches. Apple wants people who care about those to pay more for a Series or Ultra. The SE is meant to hit the sweet spot of “just enough” – it does everything most people need, but leaves some “nice to haves” for the upsell. That strategy appears to continue with SE 3. By giving it the latest processor and a big screen, Apple is making sure the SE 3 isn’t seen as outdated or slow. But by likely withholding a couple of marquee features, Apple maintains differentiation. It’s a fine line: too few features and the SE would feel pointless; too many and nobody buys the Series 10. The rumored inclusion of at least some new things (like maybe the new heart sensor, on-device Siri, etc.) show Apple will give the SE 3 enough of the modern luxuries to be attractive, without crossing into Ultra/Series territory of truly cutting-edge stuff (like blood pressure monitoring, microLED displays, or whatever is next – those will debut on flagships first).

Volume Seller – The “Affordable Luxury” Approach: The Apple Watch SE has the potential to be the volume seller in the lineup. Much like the iPhone SE or iPhone 11/12 in their time catered to the masses, the Watch SE can sell in high volumes due to its lower price. Even if Apple’s profit margin per device is lower than on a $799 Stainless Steel Series watch, the sheer volume can make up for it. More importantly, every Apple Watch sold is an anchor in the Apple ecosystem – it drives use of Apple services (Fitness+, Apple Pay, etc.), it increases customer stickiness (people with multiple Apple devices are less likely to switch to another platform), and it ups the likelihood that the user will remain an iPhone customer (since Apple Watch doesn’t work without iPhone). So Apple has a strategic interest in selling Apple Watches even at lower margins, because they reinforce the ecosystem lock-in.

There’s also an argument that Apple Watch, especially the SE, can serve as a gateway Apple device. For example, someone might own an Android phone but see the Apple Watch SE 3’s appeal (maybe via family, or advertising emphasizing health/safety features). If they are tempted enough, they might consider switching to an iPhone just to use Apple Watch. It might not be a large segment, but it’s not impossible – Apple Watch is often rated as the best smartwatch, and some users have indeed switched phones to use it. The SE 3 being more affordable could lure those who are on the fence.

Analyst and Media Views: Tech analysts generally see the SE strategy as Apple wisely playing in the midrange without diluting the brand. It offers “budget” products that are still aspirational. For instance, Laptop Mag called a new SE potentially “the perfect phone alternative for kids” and a big deal for families laptopmag.com laptopmag.com. That framing positions the SE not as a cheap, lesser device, but as an ingenious solution for a specific use-case (kids, safety, back-to-school). It’s marketing gold: instead of “cheap Apple Watch,” Apple gets to say “Apple Watch for kids” or “for everyone.” Likewise, commentators like The Verge’s Wes Davis express excitement about the SE possibly being “the most exciting Apple Watch update in years” if it introduces new looks and colors theverge.com. That’s notable because usually the budget model doesn’t get called “exciting” – but by injecting some fun (colors) and broadening who it’s for, Apple can generate buzz that normally only flagships get.

Financial analysts also see products like the SE as a way for Apple to expand its market share in wearables. Even as Apple leads in revenue, competitors have been nibbling with cheaper models, and Apple doesn’t want to lose the lower-end segment entirely. It’s a defensive and offensive play: defensive against Fitbit/Samsung, offensive in attracting new users into the ecosystem.

Longevity and Ecosystem: A subtle part of Apple’s SE strategy is ensuring that even the budget device doesn’t deliver a subpar experience. By equipping SE 3 with the latest chip, Apple is guaranteeing it will get many years of software updates (likely 5+ years of watchOS support). This means someone can buy an SE 3 and stick with it for a long time, potentially until they’re ready to upgrade to a higher model down the line. That long support also outclasses many cheaper competitors that might be abandoned by their makers in a couple of years. So Apple is also selling peace of mind that the SE 3 is a solid investment for the price.

In conclusion, the Apple Watch SE 3’s role is to be Apple’s value ambassador in the smartwatch market. It’s there to capture the wide middle: people who won’t splurge on an Ultra or maybe even a Series 10, but who find $249-$279 reasonable for a high-quality smartwatch. Apple’s strategy for the SE line is clear – use it to grow the user base, target specific segments like kids/teens and budget buyers, and fend off low-cost competitors. By carefully selecting which features to include, Apple makes the SE 3 enticing but not at the expense of its pricier siblings. The approach has worked well so far (the SE 2 was reportedly a strong seller in 2022-2023), and with the SE 3’s rumored upgrades, Apple is likely doubling down on that success.

As Apple’s September 2025 event nears, the Apple Watch SE 3 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated “affordable” Apple releases. With its combination of newer design, faster chip, and accessible price, it could hit a sweet spot in the market – offering consumers a lot of what makes the Apple Watch great, at a fraction of flagship cost. Tech experts are watching closely to see if Apple indeed delivers on rumors of a fresh look or lower price. And competitors will be watching too, as Apple fortifies its position in the midrange smartwatch battle. If all the leaks hold true, the Apple Watch SE 3 might just become Apple’s secret weapon to keep the Watch at the top of the wearables market, by ensuring there’s an Apple Watch for (nearly) everyone.

Sources

• Juli Clover, “Apple Watch SE 3 Coming Soon: What to Expect.” MacRumors – Sep 4, 2025 macrumors.com macrumors.com macrumors.com macrumors.com macrumors.com macrumors.com
• Jane McGuire, “Apple Watch SE 3 looks set to drop tomorrow — and this is the rumored upgrade I’m most excited about.” Tom’s Guide – Sep 8, 2025 tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• Scott Younker, “Apple Watch SE 2024 — Apple is reportedly switching from metal to all-plastic.” Tom’s Guide – Jul 8, 2024 tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• David Nield, “Apple Watch SE 3: Everything we know so far.” TechRadar – Sep 4, 2025 techradar.com techradar.com techradar.com
• Karen Haslam & Jason Cross, “Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3: Everything we know so far.” Macworld – Sep 5, 2025 macworld.com macworld.com macworld.com macworld.com
• Wes Davis, “The plastic Apple Watch SE could be for kids, and that’s actually exciting.” The Verge – Aug 4, 2024 theverge.com theverge.com
• Stevie Bonifield, “Skip the iPhone for your kids — this new Apple Watch SE could be perfect for back-to-school.” Laptop Mag – Aug 12, 2024 laptopmag.com laptopmag.com
• Ben Lovejoy, “Apple still dominates wearables market, despite nose-diving sales.” 9to5Mac (IDC report) – Jun 5, 2024