Apple has revealed a thoroughly updated version of its entry-level smartwatch for 2025: the Apple Watch SE 3. Introduced during the company’s much-publicized and dramatic product showcase—an event strategically staged to coincide with the unveiling of new iPhones—the device arrives with a series of highly requested refinements. Chief among these are the inclusion of Apple’s more powerful S10 processor, a noticeably enhanced battery life that promises longer operation between charges, and, for the very first time on the SE line, the long-anticipated addition of an always-on display. This final upgrade eliminates one of the most frequently cited compromises of its predecessor models, bringing the SE closer to the feel of Apple’s premium watches without fully crossing into flagship territory.
The 2025 Apple Watch SE serves as the direct successor to the previous SE model, which originally debuted in 2022. Continuing Apple’s strategy, the SE line functions as the accessible, entry-tier option in the smartwatch portfolio—a device carefully built from a combination of components and proven design elements recycled from both prior and contemporary flagship iterations. This approach enables Apple to deliver an affordable product without drastically departing from the ecosystem’s overall quality and visual identity. The SE 3, being the third consecutive iteration of this value-focused line, therefore reflects both continuity in philosophy and meaningful, incremental progress in capability.
Looking back at the second-generation SE, its pricing began at $249 for the smaller 40-millimeter variant and $279 for the larger 44-millimeter option. While its exterior closely mirrored the design language of the Apple Watch Series 6, it incorporated the S8 processor—the same chip powering the then-flagship Series 8 and Ultra models—when it launched alongside them. Despite this notable inclusion, Apple deliberately withheld several advanced features in order to preserve differentiation. The outgoing SE lacked an always-on display and also omitted a range of sophisticated health sensors, including those for body temperature, electrocardiogram (EKG), and blood oxygen measurements. As a result, while the device offered reliable performance and excellent value, it clearly marked the boundary between essential capabilities and premium luxury extras in Apple’s watch lineup.
In this context, the shift to the new SE 3 is significant, as Apple has chosen to blur that boundary further by granting this budget-friendly watch a feature—the always-on display—that was previously reserved for more expensive models. Along with the enhanced processor and extended battery endurance, this addition solidifies the SE 3 as substantially more competitive, particularly for users who desire a modern smartwatch experience without paying flagship prices.
This story is still unfolding, and more details are expected. For the latest announcements, specifications, and impressions, readers are encouraged to follow our live coverage and updates as they develop.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/772862/apple-watch-se-2025-iphone-event-announcement-specs-price
