The rumor mill has it that the Apple Watch SE is due for an update this year, marking the first refresh in three years.
Apple introduced the first Apple Watch SE in 2020, at a starting price of $279. When it introduced the second-generation model in 2022, it lowered the price to $249. To achieve this lower starting price, the company swapped the ceramic case backing for a new nylon composite.
This trend could continue with the third-generation Apple Watch SE. Per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is rumored to ditch the aluminum casing in favor of a new “rigid plastic”, potentially allowing for a lower price point:
It’s unclear as to how much cheaper the Apple Watch SE could get, with some speculating that the newer model could start at $229 or even $199. Apple’s rumored plastic design is currently facing some internal challenges, so it’s possible it may not make it to market. If it doesn’t, we may not see a lower starting price.
The next-gen Apple Watch SE is likely to receive a new chipset. The current model features Apple’s S8 chip, which was the same as the flagship Apple Watch Series 8. The new chipset could also improve performance and efficiency gains.
It’s also thought that Apple could add some new health features to the Apple Watch SE 3. Newer Apple Watch models feature Sleep Apnea detection, an ECG reader, and a Blood Oxygen sensor (currently unavailable in the US) – all of which are absent on the Apple Watch SE.
The Apple Watch SE 3 could debut at Apple’s September event this fall, alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and more.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.