Apple Watch SE 3: Enhanced Health Features and Performance Mark New Milestone for Affordable Smartwatch
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Apple is expanding its smartwatch ecosystem with the release of the Apple Watch SE 3, bringing advanced health tracking, an always-on display, and faster charging to a more accessible price point. The latest iteration of the entry-level Apple Watch, unveiled on September 9th, represents a significant upgrade over its predecessors, solidifying Apple’s commitment to making advanced technology available to a wider audience.
Bridging the Gap: Apple Watch SE 3 Elevates the Entry-Level Experience
For years, the Apple Watch SE series has served as an attractive on-ramp into the Apple Watch ecosystem. According to a company release, Apple views the SE as the “first experience” for many users, and the SE 3 aims to build on that foundation by delivering a more powerful and feature-rich experience. This third-generation model boasts expanded functionality and a chipset upgrade, positioning it as a compelling alternative to higher-end models.
Key Enhancements: AOD, Health Tracking, and Performance Boosts
The most notable improvement in the Apple Watch SE 3 is the introduction of the always-on display (AOD). Unlike previous SE models, users can now glance at the time and notifications without needing to raise their wrist or tap the screen. This functionality is powered by the new S10 chip, which also unlocks a suite of other enhancements.
The S10 chip is at the core of the SE 3’s improved performance, enabling innovations like double taps, wrist detections, on-device Siri, enhanced media playback, and improved voice isolation. One analyst noted that the enhanced Siri capabilities, allowing users to record and inquire about health data via voice commands, represent a significant leap in user convenience.
Battery life remains a solid 18 hours, but the SE 3 now incorporates fast charging technology. Apple claims that a 15-minute charge can provide up to 80% battery, translating to approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes of usage.
Advanced Health Monitoring Comes to the SE Series
Apple has significantly expanded the health capabilities of the SE 3, bringing features previously reserved for higher-end models to a more affordable price point. New additions include sleep score tracking, sleep apnea detection, wrist temperature measurement, and ovulation estimation. These algorithms, Apple emphasized, are based on the latest guidelines from organizations like the American Society of Water Society (AASM) and the World Sleep Society (WSF), and are informed by data from over 5 million Apple heart and motion studies.
Fitness and Family Features Expand Functionality
Beyond health tracking, the SE 3 offers enhanced fitness features through the Workout app, allowing users to monitor exercise, heart rate, and recovery. The introduction of Workout Buddy, an AI-powered motivational function available through watchOS 26, provides personalized coaching, and users with compatible iPhones can receive voice guidance via Bluetooth headphones.
Apple has also strengthened the SE 3’s appeal for families with the Apple Watch for Your Kids feature. This allows children to use an iPhone independently for calls, messages, notifications, location sharing, and access to app stores, while parents can monitor their child’s location through the “Find My” function.
Sustainability and Availability
The Apple Watch SE 3 is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes with midnight and Starlight aluminum cases. Apple highlighted its commitment to sustainability, noting that the SE 3 is constructed with 100% recycled aluminum and cobalt, with 40% of the total materials being recycled, and manufactured using 100% renewable energy.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is currently available for pre-order on the official Apple website and will be officially released on September 19th in select countries, including Korea. A senior official stated that the SE 3 is designed to be “a partner to help more people enjoy healthy and active lives,” signaling Apple’s intent to broaden the reach of its health and wellness technology.
