Apple Watch SE 3 Revamps the Budget Line With Always-On Display, Health Sensors, and 5G

Apple has refreshed its most affordable smartwatch with the arrival of the Apple Watch SE 3, marking the first update to the SE line in three years. While it remains positioned as the entry point into Apple’s wearable ecosystem, the new model narrows the gap with its premium counterparts by adding key features once limited to the flagship series.

At the core of the update is the S10 chip, which powers faster performance and efficiency across watchOS 26. For the first time, the SE also includes an always-on display, giving users the convenience of checking the time and notifications without raising their wrist. Apple has also expanded gesture control, bringing the Double Tap feature to the SE line, further aligning it with the capabilities of the Series 11.

Health tracking is central to the refresh. The SE 3 introduces wrist temperature sensing to support retrospective ovulation estimates, alongside sleep apnea detection, an increasingly important metric in preventative care. Apple is also layering in the new Sleep Score tool, which condenses complex sleep data into an easy-to-read rating inside the Sleep app, helping users understand their nightly rest in a more actionable way.

The watch also supports on-device Siri, improved charging speeds, and, for cellular models, 5G connectivity. With watchOS 26, arriving September 15, the SE will gain access to Workout Buddy, a new feature enhanced by Apple Intelligence that personalizes coaching and tracking during exercise.

Available in 40mm and 44mm cases with Midnight and Starlight finishes, the Apple Watch SE 3 maintains its approachable price point, starting at $249. Pre-orders begin today, with availability beginning September 19. For Apple, the SE 3 represents not just an affordable smartwatch, but one that increasingly shares the intelligence and health focus of its higher-end siblings.