Forget the Apple Watch Series 11, what I really want, come September 9th, is a budget-friendly Apple Watch SE 3 instead. There, I said it. While the flagship Apple Watch Series and super-tough Ultra series make most of the headlines, as a smartwatch reviewer, it’s the humble SE line that I most relate to (and most often recommend).
It feels like an eternity since we last got a fresh Apple Watch SE release (it was fall 2022), which is all the more reason why I’m hopeful one will arrive in a few weeks alongside the Apple Watch 11 and (likely) Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Why I want a budget-friendly Apple Watch SE 3
1. It’s long overdue
We get a new standard-series Apple Watch every year, but it’s been nearly three years since the latest Apple Watch SE debuted (2022). Why the delay? SE 3 Leaks from earlier this year suggest that production issues are to blame.
For reference, the first Apple Watch SE model launched in 2020, with the second edition debuting in 2022. This seems to suggest a 2024 launch for the SE 3. That obviously didn’t happen. Then again, we also didn’t get a new Apple Watch Ultra 3 in 2024, despite the original model launching in 2022 and the follow-up in 2023.
Clearly, Apple is no longer sticking to any sort of hard launch schedule for the Ultra and SE lines, which means, as much as I want an Apple Watch SE 3 to be unveiled come September 9th, I’m sadly not entirely convinced it will.
2. The SE line is an important gateway into the world of smartwatches
It’s the Apple Watch SE line I find myself recommending most to friends and strangers alike.
Despite its age, the Apple Watch SE (2022) remains our top pick in 2025 as the best affordable smartwatch on the market. With its more wallet-friendly pricetag and smaller case size, it’s a great option for the smartwatch-curious who might not be ready to commit to something as prominent on the wrist or pricey as the latest Series 10 or Ultra 2.
For Apple, the SE line is surely a gateway to converting these folks into lifelong Apple Watch wearers, which is all the more reason why a hearty upgrade to the SE is essential.
On the same note, while I’m thoroughly impressed by the latest Apple Watch Series 10 and can’t wait to get my hands on the next-gen Series 11, it’s the Apple Watch SE line I find myself recommending most to friends and strangers alike (assuming they’re iOS people).
With the SE (2022) officially hitting long-in-the-tooth status, it would make my job as a smartwatch reviewer a whole lot easier if an SE 3 dropped this fall.
3. It could be cheaper than its predecessor
The Apple Watch SE (2022) starts at $249 for the smaller, non-LTE model, though you can very easily find a discounted Apple Watch SE with a little hunting.
While $249 is pretty reasonable for a smartwatch that does nearly as much as the $799 Apple Watch Ultra 2, a handful of Apple Watch SE 3 rumors suggest that the forthcoming device could be even more reasonably priced than its predecessor.
How is this possible? While the case on the 2nd-generation Apple Watch SE is made from a mix of aluminum and plastic, a series of leaks hint that the new case could be all plastic.
This might not only lead to a lower starting cost — under $200 would be incredible — but also a lighter design and possibly lots of bold and fun color options to choose from.
4. Screen, processor and battery upgrades are all likely
While I’m on the subject of leaks and rumors, it sounds quite likely that the Apple Watch SE 3 will boast a faster and more power-efficient processor, a potentially bigger battery, and a larger/brighter display. All of these would be hugely welcomed quality-of-life improvements that would make the device that much more enjoyable to interact with.
The SE 3 will also almost certainly run the latest watchOS 26 software, which brings with it all sorts of enhancements like an on-wrist Notes app, the new 'Liquid Glass' aesthetic, an improved Smart Stack, smarter notifications, and more.
5. It could support Apple Intelligence features
With an upgraded processor and the latest version of watchOS, there’s a decent shot that the forthcoming Apple Watch SE 3 will be Apple’s first budget smartwatch to support any full-blown Apple Intelligence features.
Presently, AI features on even the best Apple Watch models are fairly limited. Plus, you need to have your smartwatch paired with one of the newest iPhones to access the latest AI tools like the personalized fitness coach, Workout Buddy, or live message translations.
While these tools are impressive (stay tuned for more Workout Buddy testing), the Apple Intelligence smartwatch feature I really want is an AI-powered Siri voice assistant, similar to Google Gemini on the Pixel Watch 4 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8.
While the debut of such tech might be reserved for only the higher-end Apple Watch models, Apple would be really sticking it to the competition by offering an AI-powered Siri in a sub-$200 smartwatch. Unfortunately, if the latest leaks prove true, we shouldn’t expect a Siri overhaul to surface until 2026.
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