We’re expecting Apple to debut a new Apple Watch SE model later this year, marking the first refresh in three years. The cheapest Apple Watch might not sound too exciting, but this year might be a little different.
Plastic casing, lower price?
Apple introduced the first Apple Watch SE in 2020, at a starting price of $279. When it introduced the second generation model in 2022, it lowered the price to $249. To achieve this lower starting price, the company swapped the ceramic case backing for a new nylon composite.
That trend may continue with the third-generation Apple Watch SE. Apple is rumored to ditch the aluminum casing in favor of a new “rigid plastic” according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, potentially allowing for a lower price point:
The company is also working on a new version of its lower-cost Apple Watch SE model, which it last updated in 2022. One idea that the company has tested is swapping out the aluminum shell in favor of rigid plastic.
It’s unclear how much cheaper the Apple Watch SE could get, but it’s possible that the newer model could start at $229 or even $199. Apple’s rumored plastic design is currently facing some internal challenges, so it’s possible it may not make it to market. If it doesn’t, we may not see a lower starting price.
New chip
As is the case with most Apple product refreshes, the new Apple Watch SE will likely receive a new chipset. It currently equips 2022’s S8 chip, which was the same as the flagship Apple Watch Series 8.
We’ll likely see the flagship S11 chip debut in this years Apple Watch SE, providing performance and efficiency gains for all Apple Watch SE buyers.
Health features
Although not necessarily in the rumors, Apple could choose to add some new health features to the Apple Watch SE 3. Newer Apple Watch models feature Sleep Apnea detection, an ECG reader, and a Blood Oxygen sensor (currently unavailable in the US) – all of which are absent on the Apple Watch SE.
All health features are immensely helpful, and Apple could choose to bring some over to its cheapest Apple Watch – bringing new health insights to a larger demographic.
Release date
Apple Watch SE 3 should debut at Apple’s September event this fall, alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and more. You can read more about Apple’s fall releases here.
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