Apple Watch SE 3 Launches as Budget Entry Point in September 2025 Lineup
Apple’s latest affordable smartwatch retains advanced health tracking and watchOS 27 compatibility but cuts costs through smaller sizes, recycled materials, and reduced battery life.
Apple has officially launched the Apple Watch SE 3 in September 2025, positioning the device as the most accessible entry point into its current smartwatch ecosystem. Released alongside the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Ultra 3, the SE 3 is priced $150 less than the Series 11, a strategic move designed to capture budget-conscious consumers, students, and older users who require core Apple Watch functionality without the premium price tag.
The hardware differentiation is evident in the device’s construction and display. The SE 3 features a recycled aluminum casing rather than the titanium finish available on the Series 11, and it offers smaller size options of 40mm and 44mm, compared to the 42mm and 46mm variants of the higher-end model. Additionally, the SE 3 utilises a dimmer screen than its more expensive counterpart, a trade-off that may affect visibility during outdoor activities but remains durable enough for daily wear.
Significant sensor omissions further distinguish the SE 3 from the Series 11. The device lacks ECG and blood oxygen monitoring capabilities, as well as the depth gauge and water temperature sensors found in the premium models. It also excludes Precision Finding for locating iPhones, though users can still utilise the standard ping feature to locate their devices. These exclusions are deliberate cost-saving measures that allow Apple to maintain a lower retail price while retaining essential health metrics like heart rate and sleep tracking.
Battery performance represents another key divergence between the two models. The SE 3 is rated for 18 hours of standard battery life, matching the original Apple Watch, whereas the Series 11 offers up to 24 hours. In low power mode, the SE 3 lasts up to 32 hours, compared to 38 hours for the Series 11. This reduced endurance means the SE 3 may require charging earlier in the day for heavy users, whereas the Series 11 is more likely to last until bedtime.
Despite these hardware compromises, the SE 3 retains a robust suite of software-driven features, including advanced sleep tracking with sleep apnea notifications, wrist temperature sensing, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence. It is fully compatible with watchOS 27 and supports on-device Siri and one-handed gestures. For first-time users or those seeking a secondary device for travel or exercise, the SE 3 provides a nearly identical user experience to the Series 11 at a significantly reduced cost.
