Apple Watch SE 3 unveiled: Price, features, and availability Apfelpatient

With the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple is launching the third generation of its popular entry-level smartwatch. New features include an always-on display, enhanced health features, a faster S10 chip, 5G support, and fast charging. Added to that is a more robust case glass and a redesigned operating system. Despite these new features, the Apple Watch SE 3 remains in the lower price segment, offering excellent value for money.

The SE series was previously considered an affordable entry into the Apple world. With the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple continues the series consistently, expanding it with features previously available only in the more expensive models. In addition to an improved display and increased performance, health, fitness, and safety are becoming more of a focus. At the same time, sustainability plays an important role in production and materials.

Always-On Display, fast charging and robust glass

The display is the centerpiece of every Apple Watch. The SE 3, for the first time, features an always-on display. This allows you to check the time and notifications at any time without having to move your wrist. Battery life is still around 18 hours. Thanks to the fast-charging function, a 15-minute charge is sufficient for up to eight hours of use, and after 45 minutes, the battery is approximately 80 percent charged. The cover glass is made of specially reinforced Ion-X glass and is four times more resistant to cracking than its predecessor.

More performance thanks to the S10 chip

The S10 chip makes the Apple Watch SE 3 faster and more versatile. Siri responds directly on the watch, without going through the iPhone. Processing remains private and secure. Additionally, gestures such as double-tapping or wrist movements are possible to answer calls, open messages, or dismiss notifications. During phone calls, voice isolation filters out ambient noise. Music or podcasts can also be played directly through the speaker. The integrated 5G modem enables higher speeds and a more stable connection while consuming less power.

Advanced health features

In the area of health, the Apple Watch SE 3 provides several new metrics and notifications.

Sleep Score: evaluates sleep duration, sleep phases, and regularity. It is based on recommendations from professional societies such as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Wrist temperature measurement: provides additional data for the Vitals app.
Retrospective ovulation estimates: temperature data can be used to create more accurate cycle forecasts.
Sleep apnea alerts: report unusual breathing patterns that may indicate sleep apnea.

These functions are complemented by the well-known features such as heart rate measurement, cycle tracking, cardio fitness, fall detection, accident detection, emergency SOS and check-in.

Fitness tracking and workout buddy

The SE 3 also brings new possibilities to the fitness area. The activity rings remain as daily motivation. Workouts can be tracked in even more detail and compared with trends. The Workout app supports custom workouts, Pacer, Race Route, and other views. With Workout Buddy, Apple is introducing an AI-powered system that analyzes training data and provides voice-based motivation in real time – for example, based on heart rate or pace. This feature is initially available in English and works with Bluetooth headphones and a paired iPhone. Music and podcasts can be integrated directly into your workout. Apple Music automatically suggests suitable content or accesses recently listened tracks.

watchOS 26 with new design

The Apple Watch SE 3 runs on watchOS 26, which brings a number of new features.

Liquid Glass creates a more vibrant design.
New watch faces: Flow and Exactograph.
Revised watch face gallery with more than 20 updated designs.
Smart Stack hints provide context-based recommendations.
Live translation of news directly on your wrist.
New notes app.
Hold Assist and Call Screening in the Phone app when an iPhone is nearby.

Apple Watch for children

With "Apple Watch for Your Kids," the SE 3 can also be set up for children, even if they don't have an iPhone. Parents can view their location, and children can stay in touch via calls or messages. Safety features like Emergency SOS are also integrated. Children receive their own Apple account and can use activities, Memoji, or apps. The robust glass, 5G functionality, and fast charging option make this model particularly suitable for this purpose.

sustainability

Apple is placing a greater emphasis on sustainability with the SE 3. The casing is made from 40 percent recycled materials, and the battery is made from 100 percent recycled cobalt. Production is powered by renewable energy, and the packaging is entirely fiber-based and recyclable. Apple aims to be carbon neutral across its entire supply chain by 2030. Since 2015, greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by over 60 percent.

Price and availability

The Apple Watch SE 3 will be available in 40 mm and 44 mm sizes in Midnight and Starlight colors. The starting price is $249. Pre-orders are available now, and sales begin September 19. watchOS 26 will be available on September 15 for all models starting with Series 6, the SE (2nd generation), and Ultra models. An iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 is required. New customers receive three months of Apple Fitness+ and Apple Music with purchase. AppleCare is also available, with options for device protection, battery replacement, and 24/7 support.

Apple Watch SE 3: Premium features at a fair price

The Apple Watch SE 3 offers many of the features of its flagship models at a significantly lower price. An always-on display, fast charging, advanced health features, 5G wireless connectivity, and the new watchOS 26 make it a versatile everyday companion. It's suitable as both an entry-level model and a watch for children, and it also impresses with its high sustainability credentials. (Image: Apple)