Apple unveiled the highly anticipated Apple Watch SE 3 alongside its flagship Series 11 and rugged Ultra 3 models. This budget-friendly smartwatch finally receives a significant upgrade after a relatively minor refresh in 2022. Rumors surrounding its release at the iPhone 17 event were confirmed, delivering a welcome surprise to many consumers.
The original Apple Watch SE, launched in 2019, successfully expanded Apple's smartwatch market by offering a more affordable option. While lacking some features of its pricier siblings like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, its accessibility proved popular, particularly among families. The 2022 update further refined the design and user experience.
The Apple Watch SE 3 boasts several key improvements. Most notably, it integrates the powerful S10 chip, promising significantly faster performance. For the first time in the SE line, an always-on display is included, enhancing usability. Intuitive gestures like double-tap and wrist-flick are now supported, alongside fast charging capabilities.
Despite the addition of the always-on display, the SE 3 maintains all-day battery life, lasting up to 18 hours. The fast charging feature is a game-changer; a 15-minute charge provides up to eight hours of use, while a 45-minute charge reaches approximately 80 percent. This is a significant improvement over the previous generation.
Apple has also bolstered the health and fitness features. The SE 3 now includes advanced health tracking such as sleep score monitoring, retrospective ovulation estimates, sleep apnea notifications, and wrist temperature sensing for richer Vitals app data. These features, previously exclusive to higher-end models, are now readily available at a more accessible price point.
Adding to its fitness capabilities, the SE 3 introduces Workout Buddy, a revolutionary feature leveraging Apple Intelligence. Workout Buddy analyzes workout data and history to provide personalized, spoken motivation throughout exercise sessions. This motivational support considers heart rate, pace, distance, Activity rings, and personal fitness milestones. Workout Buddy is initially available in English for several popular workout types and requires Bluetooth headphones and an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone.
The Apple Watch SE 3 maintains its attractive price point, starting at $249. Pre-orders began immediately following the announcement, with shipping expected to commence on September 19th.
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Originally published at: https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/09/apple-watch-se-3-announced-with-s10-chip-and-always-on-display/
