The Apple Watch SE 3 (2025) is Apple’s newest entry-level smartwatch, designed to deliver the core Apple Watch experience at an affordable price. Announced alongside the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, the SE 3 strikes a balance between performance, safety, and fitness tracking without the premium price tag of Apple’s higher-end models. With a refreshed design, improved performance thanks to the S9 chip, and the latest watchOS 11 features, it’s positioned as the best option for first-time buyers or those looking for an upgrade from older models.
While it doesn’t include advanced health sensors like ECG or blood oxygen monitoring, the SE 3 retains Apple’s most essential features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep and cycle tracking, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS. It also benefits from the same powerful chip as the Series 11, ensuring smooth performance and longer support for future watchOS updates. Combined with a lightweight design and compatibility with the full range of Apple Watch bands, the SE 3 offers plenty of flexibility for everyday wear.
Most importantly, the SE 3 continues Apple’s mission of making the Apple Watch accessible to more users. Starting at just $249, it delivers nearly all of the essential features of its more expensive siblings at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re focused on fitness, safety, or staying connected on the go, the Apple Watch SE 3 provides a well-rounded smartwatch experience that makes it one of the best value wearables in 2025.
📅 Release Date
Apple officially unveiled the Apple Watch SE 3 on September 9, 2025, during its “Awe-Dropping” event, which also introduced the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. Preorders for the SE 3 opened the same day, giving customers the chance to secure their device ahead of launch.
The official release date for the Apple Watch SE 3 is September 19, 2025, when it will begin shipping and arrive in Apple Stores worldwide. This aligns with Apple’s typical fall release schedule, ensuring the SE 3 is available in time for the holiday shopping season.
With preorders already live and shipping set for mid-September, customers won’t have to wait long to get their hands on Apple’s most affordable new smartwatch. This release positions the SE 3 as a timely refresh for anyone looking to upgrade from an older Apple Watch or jump into the ecosystem for the first time.
🎨 Colors & Sizes
- Case Sizes: 40mm and 44mm
- Finishes:
- Midnight
- Starlight
(Unlike the Series 11 and Ultra 3, the SE 3 does not come in premium stainless steel or titanium finishes.)
💵 Prices
- 40mm GPS: $249
- 44mm GPS: $279
- GPS + Cellular models: +$50
This makes it the most affordable option in Apple’s 2025 lineup.
⚙️ Specifications
The Apple Watch SE 3 is Apple’s latest affordable smartwatch, announced on September 9, 2025, alongside the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3. It keeps the focus on value, fitness, and safety features while adopting the faster S9 chip, new health tracking improvements, and updated design finishes.
| Feature | Apple Watch SE 3 (2025) |
|---|---|
| Chipset | S9 SiP (same as Series 11) |
| Display | Retina LTPO OLED, up to 1,000 nits |
| Sizes | 40mm, 44mm |
| Battery Life | ~18 hours, up to 36h in Low Power Mode |
| Health Sensors | Heart rate, Sleep tracking, Cycle tracking |
| Safety Features | Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS |
| Water Resistance | 50m (swimproof) |
| Connectivity | GPS, optional Cellular, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi |
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight |
| Bands | Compatible with all Apple Watch bands |
| OS | watchOS 11 |
⭐ Key Features
- Faster Performance: S9 SiP chip for smoother performance.
- Health Tracking: Heart rate, sleep, cycle, and activity tracking.
- Safety: Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS, International Roaming.
- Fitness: Full integration with Apple Fitness+.
- Battery: Standard 18 hours, extended with Low Power Mode.
- Affordable: Retains most Series 11 features at a lower price.
🔄 Differences from SE 2
| Feature | SE 2 (2022) | SE 3 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | S8 SiP | S9 SiP (faster, more efficient) |
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver | Midnight, Starlight |
| Health Features | Basic HR, fall/crash detection | Adds improved sleep & cycle tracking |
| Battery | 18h | 18h + better Low Power Mode |
| Price at Launch | $249 | $249 |
🔄 SE 3 vs. Series 11 vs. Ultra 3
| Feature | SE 3 | Series 11 | Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Starting) | $249 | $399 | $799 |
| Chipset | S9 | S9 | S9 |
| Display | Retina OLED, 1,000 nits | Always-On Retina OLED, 2,000 nits | 3,000 nits |
| Health Sensors | Heart rate, basic sleep/cycle | Adds ECG, Blood Oxygen | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Skin Temp, Advanced Sports Metrics |
| Case Sizes | 40/44mm | 42/46mm | 49mm |
| Materials | Aluminum | Aluminum, Stainless Steel | Titanium |
| Battery | 18h (36h low power) | 18-36h | 36-72h |
| Water Resistance | 50m | 50m | 100m (diving capable) |
📌 Who Should Buy the SE 3?
- Best for: First-time Apple Watch buyers, kids/teens, or anyone who wants core Apple Watch features without the premium price.
- Not for: Users who want ECG, Blood Oxygen, or Always-On Display — you’ll need the Series 11 or Ultra 3 for those.
👉 Official page: Apple Watch SE 3
