Apple has announced the Apple Watch SE, a successor to the three-year-old Apple Watch Series 3. The device starts at $279; cellular models start at $329. It’s available this Friday, but you can order it today.
The model shares some of the features of the new Apple Watch Series 6, including a built-in accelerometer, gyroscope, and always-on altimeter, as well as sleep tracking, fall detection, and hand-washing detection. Cellular models can be used to make emergency calls, even internationally, with the Emergency SOS feature. There’s no always-on display, which was a highlight of the Series 5, ECG functionality, which arrived with the Series 4, or the blood oxygen monitor that’s coming to the Series 6. Apple says this will deliver up to two times better performance than we saw from the Series 3.
The Watch SE’s Retina display will be the same size as the Series 6’s, too, and is 30 percent larger than the Series 3. It will run the same watchOS 7 software, so you’ll also get features like sleep and VO2Max tracking, automatic handwashing detection and support for new workout types.
For $279 (£269), the Watch SE packs many of the same features as the $399 Series 6, making it a more appealing deal for the budget-conscious. Those who want to save even more money can consider the $199 Watch Series 3, though that model is fairly old and uses a slower processor.
The Watch SE will be available from September 18th in three case finishes made from recycled aluminum, and it’s compatible with all Apple Watch bands including the new Solo Loop options. The cellular + GPS model starts at $329.
