Apple unveils Apple Watch SE 3 with Always-On display, faster charging and new health features
Tom Sykes
Posted On 09/09/2025 
Apple has introduced the third-generation Apple Watch SE, bringing an Always-On display, new health tools and faster charging to its most affordable smartwatch.
Powered by the S10 chip, the new SE delivers better performance, on-device Siri and support for one-handed gestures like double tap and wrist flick.
The display is now always on, covered by stronger Ion-X glass that Apple says is four times more crack resistant than the previous model.
The SE 3 adds wrist temperature sensing, retrospective ovulation estimates, sleep apnea notifications and a new Sleep Score, joining existing tools such as fall detection and crash detection.
Users can view richer data in the Vitals app, and sleep tracking is supported by faster charging — with eight hours of use available from just 15 minutes of charge.
watchOS 26 brings the Workout Buddy feature, powered by Apple Intelligence, offering spoken, personalised encouragement during exercise.
The Workout app has also been redesigned for easier access to custom routines, pacer mode and Race Route.
The new SE supports 5G cellular, promising faster downloads for music, podcasts and apps. Apple says the modem is also more power efficient.
Media can be played directly through the speaker, while Voice Isolation improves call clarity in noisy environments.
Apple is promoting the SE 3 as a family option. Parents can set up the watch for children without iPhones, allowing calls, messages, Find My location sharing and access to safety features like Emergency SOS.
The watch maintains 18 hours of battery life but now charges twice as fast as before, reaching about 80% in 45 minutes.
Apple Watch SE 3 is made with 40% recycled materials, including 100% recycled aluminium in the case and cobalt in the battery. Packaging is fully fibre-based.
The SE 3 comes in 40mm and 44mm aluminium cases in Starlight and Midnight.
It is available to pre-order today, with in-store availability beginning Friday, September 19.
