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The Apple Watch SE has long been the company’s affordable smartwatch offering. It’s a capable watch, that looks good and it’s cheaper than other Apple models such as the Ultra or Series 9.
The SE 2 came out in 2022 so, it being mid-2024, and seeing that Apple has already released a plethora of new gadgets such as the M4 iPad Pro, we are left asking, when will we see the Apple Watch SE 3?
At least there are rumours to keep us company…
From a larger display to a cheaper starting price due to a plastic design, here’s everything we know about Apple’s affordable smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE 3rd generation.
Release Date Expectations
Historically, the tech giant has maintained a fairly consistent pattern when it comes to unveiling new Apple Watch models, with the majority of them making their debut alongside the company’s flagship iPhone lineup in September.
Given this trend, it’s highly likely that the SE 3 Apple Watch will follow suit and make its entrance sometime in September 2024, aligning with the anticipated launch of the iPhone 16 series.
This timing makes perfect sense, as the Apple Watch has always been marketed as a complementary device to the iPhone, integrating with the broader Apple ecosystem.
Potential Design Enhancements
When it comes to the design of the Apple Watch SE 3 one of the most persistent rumours suggest that Apple may opt for a slightly larger display, potentially offering 41mm and 45mm size options, up from the current 40mm and 44mm offerings.
This would align the SE 3 more closely with the design of the flagship Apple Watch Series 10.
Additionally, there’s speculation that Apple may experiment with a more cost-effective material for the SE 3’s casing, potentially swapping out the traditional aluminum for a rigid plastic shell.
This move could help drive down the overall production costs, ultimately translating to a more affordable price tag for consumers.
Although a plastic watch might be off-putting to some consumers.
Performance Upgrades
The Apple Watch SE 3 is expected to receive a significant performance boost, due to the integration of the latest S10 system-in-package (SiP) chip.
This new processor is anticipated to deliver noticeable improvements in speed and efficiency, allowing for smoother user experiences and enhanced responsiveness.
The inclusion of the S10 chip also lays the groundwork for potential advancements in the realm of artificial intelligence and machine learning. While it’s unclear if the Apple Watch SE 3 will immediately benefit from the company’s rumoured “Apple Intelligence” features, the upgraded processing power could pave the way for future software.
We’ve spoken about ‘Apple Intelligence’ here if you’re interested.
Health and Fitness Enhancements
As with any Apple Watch iteration, the health and fitness capabilities of the SE 3 are one of the main reasons why consumers choose to purchase it in the first place.
While the previous SE models have offered a solid suite of tracking features, such as heart rate monitoring, step counting, and activity tracking, there are whispers of additional sensors and functionalities making their way to the latest edition.
One highly anticipated feature is the potential integration of blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring. This capability, which has been present in the flagship Apple Watch Series models, could finally make its way to the more affordable SE lineup.
Additionally, there are rumours of advancements in the watch’s heart rate sensor, potentially enabling more advanced heart health monitoring and detection of irregularities.
Another area of focus could be the inclusion of sleep-tracking features that offer deeper insights into the user’s sleep patterns and quality.
This, combined with the existing activity and workout tracking capabilities, could make the Apple Watch SE 3 an even more compelling choice for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals.
Connectivity and Cellular Integration
The SE 3 is expected to offer more robust cellular connectivity options.
Rumours suggest that the new SE model may include support for 5G networks, providing users with faster data speeds and improved reliability when away from their iPhone.
This could be particularly beneficial for those who rely on the Apple Watch’s cellular capabilities for tasks like voice calls, streaming music, or accessing internet-based services
Additionally, the SE 3 is expected to maintain the international emergency SOS functionality, ensuring that users can quickly call for help in the event of an emergency, no matter where they are in the world.
Battery Life Considerations
In general, Apple smartwatches aren’t like others on the market when it comes to battery life, such as the Garmin MARQ Commander, which can offer up to 16 days of life. The SE models, however, like most Apple watches, can only provide an all-day battery life (not bad but not as good!).
There are whispers of potential improvements in this area for the upcoming iteration.
One of the strategies Apple may employ is the integration of a more energy-efficient display technology, such as low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) OLED panels. These displays have the potential to offer improved power efficiency, potentially extending the SE 3’s battery life without sacrificing the overall user experience.
Additionally, the inclusion of the new S10 chip could bring advancements in power management, allowing the SE 3 to better optimize its energy consumption and squeeze out a few extra hours of usage between charges.
The introduction of a low-power mode, similar to the one found in the Apple Watch Series 9, could also be a valuable feature for users who prioritize extended battery life over certain functionality.
Pricing and Positioning
As the more affordable sibling in the Apple Watch lineup, the pricing and positioning of the SE 3 will be a crucial factor in determining its success. Given the rumours of potential design and performance upgrades, there’s a possibility that Apple may adjust the pricing structure to reflect these enhancements.
However, the tech giant is also keenly aware of the importance of maintaining the SE line’s reputation as a budget-friendly option. Industry analysts suggest that Apple may explore ways to keep the SE 3’s starting price below the $249 mark, potentially even dipping into the $199 range if the rumoured plastic casing materializes.
watchOS 11 and Software Capabilities
The Apple Watch SE 3 will undoubtedly ship with the latest version of Apple’s wearable operating system, watchOS 11.
This software update is expected to bring a host of new features and enhancements that will benefit both the SE 3 and the broader Apple Watch lineup. We’ve spoken about it in more depth here if you fancy a read. But here’s the overview:
One of the highly anticipated additions is the integration of Apple Intelligence.
While the full extent of these capabilities on the Apple Watch is still unknown, the SE 3’s upgraded processing power could include innovative AI-powered experiences, such as enhanced voice commands, personalized fitness coaching, and intelligent health monitoring.
Additionally, watchOS 11 is rumoured to introduce improvements to the device’s health and wellness tracking, potentially offering more granular data insights, customizable activity rings, and seamless integration with the iPhone’s Health app.
Potential Drawbacks and Limitations
While the Apple Watch SE 3 is shaping up to be a more budget-friendly alternative to other Apple smartwatches, it’s important to acknowledge that there may be certain trade-offs and limitations compared to the flagship Apple Watch Series 10 and the high-end Apple Watch Ultra 3.
One potential drawback could be the lack of an always-on display (AOD) feature. This popular functionality, which allows the watch face to remain visible even when the user’s wrist is lowered, has been a staple of the more premium Apple Watch models. The decision to omit AOD from the SE 3 could be a cost-saving measure, but it may disappoint some users who have grown accustomed to this convenient feature.
Additionally, the SE 3 may not include the latest and most advanced health sensors, such as the rumoured blood pressure monitoring capabilities.
While the device is expected to offer a robust suite of health and fitness tracking features, it’s possible that some of the more cutting-edge capabilities will be reserved for the higher-end Apple Watch models.
It’s also worth noting that the SE 3’s performance, while improved over its predecessors, may still lag behind the flagship Series 10 in terms of raw processing power and responsiveness.
Comparison to Competitors
As the Apple Watch SE 3 prepares to enter the market, it’s essential to consider how it stacks up against the growing competition in the budget-friendly smartwatch segment.
One key competitor to keep an eye on is the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, which offers a sleek design, robust fitness tracking, and integration with the Android ecosystem.
Another contender worth mentioning is the Fitbit Versa 4, which has established itself as a go-to choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking a well-rounded smartwatch experience at a reasonable price point.
However, the Versa 4 may not match the Apple Watch SE 3 in terms of overall functionality and integration with iOS.
Ultimately, the success of the Apple Watch SE 3 will depend on its ability to strike the right balance between features, performance, and affordability, while also leveraging the strength of the broader Apple ecosystem to maintain its competitive edge.
