Apple has officially unveiled the Apple Watch SE 3, and it’s not just a refresh—it’s a redefinition of what an entry-level smartwatch can be. With the introduction of an Always-On display, faster charging, and a suite of advanced health features, the SE 3 is now closer than ever to its premium siblings, while still maintaining its budget-friendly appeal. Here's a deep dive into everything you need to know.
Design and Display
- The SE 3 is available in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm
- Comes in Midnight and Starlight finishes with a 100% recycled aluminum case
- Features Ion-X strengthened glass that is four times more crack-resistant than previous models
- The biggest visual upgrade is the Always-On Retina display, allowing users to check time, notifications, and workout metrics without raising their wrist
- Despite the Always-On feature, battery life remains steady at up to 18 hours
Performance and Charging
- Powered by the new S10 chip, the SE 3 delivers faster performance and improved efficiency
- On-device Siri is now quicker and more private, accessing health data without cloud dependency
- Fast charging debuts in the SE lineup: 15 minutes of charging delivers up to 8 hours of use, and the watch reaches 80 percent in just 45 minutes
Health and Wellness Features
- Sleep Score tracking helps users evaluate sleep quality and make informed lifestyle adjustments
- Wrist temperature sensing provides deeper wellness insights and supports retrospective ovulation estimates for family planning
- Sleep Apnoea notifications monitor respiratory patterns and alert users to potential issues
- Existing features like heart rate monitoring, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS remain intact
- The new Vitals app aggregates overnight health data including heart rate, respiratory rate, and sleep duration
Fitness and Motivation
- watchOS 26 introduces Workout Buddy, powered by Apple Intelligence, offering personalized spoken motivation during workouts
- The redesigned Workout app makes it easier to customize and track activities
- Motion sensors including GPS, gyroscope, and accelerometer work together for accurate fitness metrics
Connectivity and Smart Features
- Includes 5G cellular support for faster downloads and smoother streaming
- Supports new one-handed gestures like double tap and wrist flick for intuitive control
- Live translation in Messages and Smart Stack improvements enhance everyday usability
- Water resistance up to 50 meters makes it swim-ready and splash-proof
Software and Ecosystem
- Runs on watchOS 26, which introduces a refreshed Liquid Glass interface and new watch faces
- Seamlessly integrates with Apple’s ecosystem, including Fitness+, Messages, and Siri
- Offers dozens of customizable watch faces and strap options for personal expression
Pricing and Availability
- Priced at $249 in the United States
- Available for pre-order now, with sales beginning September 19, 2025
- Launching in India and over 50 other countries simultaneously
- Indian pricing is expected to be announced soon, but it remains the most accessible entry point into the Apple Watch ecosystem
Key Highlights Recap
- Always-On display now standard in SE lineup
- Fast charging delivers 80 percent battery in 45 minutes
- S10 chip enables faster performance and private Siri access
- Advanced health tracking includes sleep score, ovulation estimates, and apnoea alerts
- Workout Buddy and gesture controls enhance fitness and usability
- Starts at $249 with global availability from September 19
The Apple Watch SE 3 is no longer just the affordable option—it’s a full-featured health and fitness companion that punches well above its price tag. With meaningful upgrades in display, performance, and wellness, it’s poised to be the go-to smartwatch for millions.
Sources: Hindustan Times, Times of India, Apple India, MSN Tech
