Apple has officially announced the Apple Watch SE 3, bringing advanced health and fitness features, faster performance, and improved connectivity at a lower entry price point. The new model is powered by the S10 chip and debuts meaningful upgrades such as an Always-On display, fast charging, wrist temperature sensing, sleep apnea notifications, and 5G cellular support. Customers can pre-order today, with availability beginning September 19.
The SE line has long been positioned as the accessible gateway into the Apple Watch ecosystem, and the third-generation model builds on that with more premium features inherited from higher-end versions. According to Apple, the new SE offers improved durability with cover glass that is four times more resistant to cracks and introduces energy-efficient components to maintain its 18-hour all-day battery life even with the Always-On display enabled.
Among the standout health features is the new sleep score system, which uses Apple’s data-backed algorithms to provide users with an overall measure of sleep quality. This score is based on factors such as sleep duration, bedtime consistency, and time spent in each sleep stage. Retrospective ovulation estimates, wrist temperature sensing, and sleep apnea notifications also expand the device’s health insights, making it a more complete tool for personal wellbeing. These features complement existing Apple Watch capabilities like heart health notifications, Cycle Tracking, Fall Detection, and Emergency SOS.
The fitness experience is enhanced with watchOS 26 and Apple Intelligence. A new feature called Workout Buddy analyzes workout history and provides real-time, spoken motivation during exercise sessions. Users can also personalize workouts through the redesigned Workout app, set up music or podcast playback for training, and track detailed metrics such as training load and cardio recovery. Together, these tools aim to keep users engaged in closing their Activity rings each day.
The S10 chip unlocks more than just faster performance. It enables on-device Siri for quicker, private responses, as well as intuitive one-handed controls like double tap and wrist flick gestures. Media playback is now possible directly from the watch’s speaker, while Voice Isolation improves call quality by suppressing background noise. Combined with 5G connectivity, Apple Watch SE 3 becomes a more capable standalone device, reducing reliance on the iPhone.
Apple has also highlighted the SE 3’s role in family use. Through Apple Watch For Your Kids, the device can be set up without a child needing their own iPhone. This gives kids access to communication, location tracking, and safety features, while parents maintain oversight through their own iPhone.
Running watchOS 26, the SE 3 introduces the new Liquid Glass interface design, two redesigned watch faces, Smart Stack hints, Live Translation in Messages, and support for new apps like Notes. Features like Hold Assist and Call Screening extend iPhone-connected functionality, while Apple Intelligence powers smarter suggestions across the system.
Apple continues its environmental push with the SE 3, which is made with 40 percent recycled content, including 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery and aluminum in the case. It is produced with renewable electricity and packaged in 100 percent fiber-based materials as part of the company’s 2030 carbon-neutral goal.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes in midnight and starlight aluminum finishes, starting at $249 in the U.S. It will be sold in more than 50 regions worldwide beginning September 19.
