Apple announces new entry-level $249 Apple Watch SE 3 with always-on display

Apple has a refreshed entry-level smartwatch for 2025, the new Apple Watch SE 3. Announced at the “Awe dropping” event alongside new iPhones, the SE 3 has a faster S10 processor, longer battery life, stronger front glass, and (finally) an always-on display. It starts at $249 for a 40mm model and is set to launch September 19th, with preorders available now. The SE 3 will also come in a larger 44mm size, and both will be offered in midnight and starlight-colored aluminum cases.

Other new features in the SE 3 include double-tap and wrist-flick gestures, sleep apnea detection, sleep scores, retrospective ovulation estimates, the ability to play music and podcasts through its speaker, 2x faster charging speeds, 5G cellular, and a claimed 18 hours of battery life. Like the Series 11 and Ultra 3, the SE 3’s front crystal uses Apple’s Ion-X glass, which the company claims is twice as scratch-resistant as its previous glass.

The 2025 Apple Watch SE is a follow-up to the outgoing model, which was launched in 2022. It’s once again Apple’s new base-model wearable — typically a parts-bin remix of previous and current flagship features for a lower price. But it left out features like an always-on display and sensors for temperature, EKG, and blood oxygen. Of those last three, the SE 3 now at least gets the temperature sensor.

The SE 3 will ship with watchOS 26, bringing with it Apple’s Liquid Glass software design and UI, and other features, like its new Workout Buddy to give you an audible coach during exercises.