After several years of silence, the California-based brand Apple unveiled in the fall of 2025 the much-anticipated refresh of its simpler, more affordable smartwatch lineup, the Apple Watch SE 3 series. Compared to the second-generation models, Apple Watch SE 3 got a more powerful, modern Apple S10 processor (SE 2 used the S8 chip), a broader set of supported gestures, and an optional e‑SIM module. Apple also refined the LTPO display by adding support for the Always-On Display feature. Previously, it was available only on the pricier Apple Watch Classic and Watch Ultra.

Given that the first two generations of Apple Watch SE were in high demand among athletes and active-lifestyle fans, the sensor suite in Apple Watch SE 3 has been expanded. In particular, in addition to stress level, sleep tracking, heart rate, and a women’s cycle calendar, the watch can now take ECG readings, measure blood oxygen, track body temperature, and detect sleep apnea.

Otherwise, these are the familiar “lite” Watch SE with a 50 WR water-resistant aluminum case, a quick-release strap, wireless charging, support for contactless payments, a built-in GPS module, as well as a built-in speaker and microphone for voice calls. As before, the Apple Watch SE 3 lineup is positioned as a simpler, more affordable alternative to Watch Classic and Watch Ultra, made for people who don’t need satellite connectivity, a built-in siren, and other advanced capabilities of Apple’s more expensive smartwatches.