The Apple Watch SE 3, also known as the Apple Watch SE (3rd Gen.), was announced on September 9, 2025, with an official release scheduled for September 19, 2025. As Apple’s most affordable smartwatch, the SE 3 delivers essential smartwatch and fitness features with the latest watchOS 26 software and the Apple S10 chip, making it an excellent entry point into the Apple Watch ecosystem.
Available in 40mm and 44mm versions, both with GPS and GPS + Cellular options, the SE 3 is lightweight at just 26.4g (40mm) and 33g (44mm). Built with an aluminum frame, glass front, and plastic/sapphire crystal back, it is durable and water resistant up to 50m, making it swim-ready.
The 1.78-inch Retina LTPO OLED display offers a peak brightness of 1000 nits, ensuring good visibility indoors and outdoors. While it doesn’t match the Ultra or Series 11 in brightness or ruggedness, it still delivers a clear and responsive experience.
Health and fitness tracking includes a 2nd-gen heart rate sensor, accelerometer, compass, altimeter, temperature sensing, and workout tracking. It also supports media playback, GPS positioning, NFC, and eSIM connectivity. The Li-Ion battery charges wirelessly, reaching 80% in 45 minutes.
With colors available in Midnight and Starlight, and priced at around €270, the Apple Watch SE 3 remains one of the best value-for-money smartwatches on the market.
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, glass front, plastic/sapphire crystal back, 50m water resistant |
| SIM | eSIM |
| Display | 1.78″ Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits peak brightness |
| 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, altimeter, compass, temperature sensing |
| Extra Features | Media playback |
| Battery | Li-Ion, wireless charging (80% in 45 min) |
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight |
| Price | About €270 |
The Apple Watch SE 3 is the perfect choice for users who want an affordable Apple smartwatch with core fitness and connectivity features. With watchOS 26, Apple S10 performance, and essential health tools, it balances value, performance, and everyday usability.
