Apple Watch SE (3rd gen)
The cheapest Apple Watch worth buying. Always-on display and wrist temp at $249.
The SE 3 closes most of the distance to the Series line without moving off $249. It gains the always-on display the SE has always lacked, the S10 chip, wrist temperature with retrospective ovulation estimates, sleep score, sleep apnea notifications, and charging that reaches 80% in 45 minutes — the SE 2 took two and a half hours to fill. What is still absent is the electrical heart sensor and the pulse oximeter, so no ECG app and no blood oxygen, and hypertension notifications need a newer optical sensor than this one has. Irregular rhythm alerts, fall and crash detection, and Training Load are all here. Battery stays at 18 hours.
Strengths
- Always-on display and 2× faster charging at the same $249
- Adds wrist temperature, sleep score, and sleep apnea notifications
- Fall detection, crash detection, and Training Load match the flagships
Tradeoffs
- No ECG app and no blood oxygen sensor
- No hypertension notifications — older optical sensor
- 18-hour battery and the dimmest display in the lineup
Full specs
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Common questions
- How much does the Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) cost?
- The Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) starts at $249, with larger sizes and premium finishes costing more.
- Does the Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) require a subscription?
- No. Apple sells an optional premium tier at a monthly fee for deeper analysis, but the Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) tracks and syncs without it.
- How long does the Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) battery last?
- About 18 hr of typical use per charge. Heavy GPS use, an always-on display, and continuous sensing all pull that number down.
- Is the Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) waterproof?
- The Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) is rated 5 ATM (50m), which covers showering, swimming, and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating.
- Does the Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) work with iPhone and Android?
- It pairs with iPhone only — there is no Android app.
- When was the Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) released?
- Apple released the Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) in 2025, and it is still in the current lineup.