Apple has unveiled the third generation of its popular SE series: the Apple Watch SE 3, which offers many of the features of the premium models at an impressively low price. Thanks to the new S10 chip, Always-On Display, advanced health features and improved design, Apple is once again setting the standard for entry-level smartwatches. With fitness tracking, 5G mobile communications and a wide range of security functions, the new SE is designed to remain particularly suitable for everyday use – while offering more performance and convenience than its predecessors.
- Always-On Display with more robust front glass and Ion-X technology
- S10 chip with on-device Siri, double tap and turn gesture, faster charging
- New health features such as sleep index, sleep apnea detection and temperature measurement on the wrist
- 5G cellular, 18 hours of battery life and faster charging than before
Stronger display and better performance
At the heart of the Apple Watch SE 3 is the new S10 chip, which not only makes the smartwatch faster and more responsive, but also enables important new functions. These include the Always-On Display, where the time and notifications are visible at all times, as well as on-device Siri – a faster and more private version of the voice assistant. The popular gestures have also been expanded: calls can be answered, messages opened or notifications closed with a “double tap” or a simple twist of the wrist.
The display itself is protected by an Ion-X front glass, which according to Apple is four times more shatterproof than that of the previous generation. At the same time, the battery life of 18 hours remains suitable for everyday use, while the new fast charging feature enables up to eight hours of battery life in just 15 minutes – practical for anyone who wants to use their watch for sleep tracking at night.
Extensive health functions
One of the biggest new features of the Apple Watch SE 3 is the extended health functions. The new sleep index provides users with detailed evaluations of sleep quality, including sleep phases and wake-up frequencies. This is complemented by temperature measurement on the wrist, which provides more comprehensive vital signs data and even supports retrospective estimates of ovulation. Another important step is sleep apnoea detection: based on movement and breathing patterns, the watch provides information on possible signs of moderate to severe sleep apnoea.
In addition, the familiar Apple Watch functions are retained – from heart rate alarm systems to fall detection and “Emergency SOS”. The SE 3 is thus further expanding its position as a smart everyday companion for safety, health and prevention.
Fitness, motivation and smart support
The focus is also on motivation in the area of fitness. As before, users can close their three activity rings (Move, Exercise, Stand), create their own workouts or start competitions with friends. watchOS 26 adds “Workout Buddy”, a feature that uses Apple Intelligence to provide individual motivation through voice feedback during training. The SE 3 also supports numerous activities – from running and cycling to yoga. Another practical feature is the new integration of music and podcasts directly into the training app, so that audio content starts automatically when the workout begins.
Even children can be integrated more easily with the Watch: “Apple Watch for your kids” enables telephony, location sharing and security features without the need for a separate iPhone. Parents retain full control, while children can take their first steps towards digital independence – protected by the familiar Apple security standards.
watchOS 26 and smart everyday features
With watchOS 26, the SE 3 receives a visual upgrade: “Liquid Glass” ensures smooth, dynamic animations on the watch faces and in apps. The software also brings an updated gallery with new watch faces, smart stack widgets and live translation of messages. On-device Siri can now process health data directly, while new tools such as call filters and on-hold assistance make everyday life easier. Voice isolation also makes phone calls clearer by minimizing background noise.
Prices and availability
The Apple Watch SE 3 is available in 40 mm and 44 mm sizes, with aluminum cases in midnight and polar star colors. Pre-orders are now possible, the sales launch is on September 19. The price is 269 euros incl. VAT.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch SE 3 is a successful update that brings many premium features to an entry-level model. With an always-on display, new health and fitness functions and 5G mobile communications, it offers more performance and suitability for everyday use than ever before. This makes it attractive not only for smartwatch newcomers, but also for anyone looking for an affordable but powerful Apple Watch.
