The Apple Watch SE 3, also known as the Apple Watch SE (3rd Gen.), was announced on September 9, 2025, with an expected release on September 19, 2025. Designed as the entry-level model in Apple’s smartwatch lineup, it offers core Apple Watch features at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for first-time users or those who want a simple yet capable smartwatch.
The SE 3 comes in two case sizes, 40mm and 44mm, weighing just 26.4g (40mm) or 33g (44mm). Its aluminum frame, Ion-X strengthened glass front, and plastic/sapphire crystal back make it durable yet lightweight. The watch is water resistant up to 50m, making it suitable for swimming and everyday use.
It features a 1.78-inch Retina LTPO OLED display with 1000 nits peak brightness, ensuring good readability indoors and outdoors. Powered by the Apple S10 chipset and running on watchOS 26, the SE 3 delivers smooth performance with 64GB internal storage for apps and offline media.
For health tracking, the SE 3 includes a 2nd-generation heart rate sensor, accelerometer, gyro, barometer, compass, body temperature sensing, and always-on altimeter. While it skips advanced tools like ECG and SpO2, it provides essential fitness and wellness monitoring.
The Li-Ion battery charges wirelessly to 80% in 45 minutes, offering convenient daily use. Available in Midnight and Starlight colors, and priced at around €270, the Apple Watch SE 3 stands as Apple’s most affordable smartwatch option, combining functionality, style, and value.
Apple Watch SE 3 Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Versions | 40mm (GPS), 40mm (GPS + Cellular), 44mm (GPS), 44mm (GPS + Cellular) |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 (Intl/China); HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 (USA/Canada) |
| 4G bands | Intl/China: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66; USA/Canada: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Launch | Announced Sept 9, 2025; Release Sept 19, 2025 |
| Body | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm, 26.4g (40mm), 33g (44mm), Aluminum frame, Ion-X glass front, plastic/sapphire crystal back, 50m water resistant |
| SIM | eSIM |
| Display | 1.78″ Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits peak |
| Resolution | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi) |
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass (2025 gen) |
| OS | watchOS 26 |
| Chipset | Apple S10 |
| CPU | Dual-core |
| GPU | PowerVR |
| Memory | 64GB internal storage |
| Camera | No |
| Sound | Loudspeaker, no 3.5mm jack |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, NFC |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, body temperature |
| Extra Features | Media playback |
| Battery | Li-Ion, wireless charging (80% in 45 min) |
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight |
| Price | About €270 |
The Apple Watch SE 3 delivers the essential Apple Watch experience in a more budget-friendly package. With solid health tracking, a bright OLED display, and the powerful S10 chipset, it’s the perfect option for users who want an affordable smartwatch that still integrates tightly with the Apple ecosystem.
