Apple Watch SE 3 has unexpectedly become unavailable to order from Apple ahead of the company’s major product event on Wednesday, raising questions over whether the entry-level Apple Watch could be about to receive a surprise update.
Customers attempting to configure the Apple Watch SE 3 through Apple’s online store are currently being shown the model as unavailable. The situation appears to affect configurations across the lineup, including both delivery and Apple Store pickup options.
As reported by 9to5Mac, the disappearance is unusual because Apple does not routinely make an outgoing Apple Watch unavailable immediately before introducing its successor.
The timing is particularly interesting because reports leading up to Wednesday’s event have largely focused on Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. There has been little indication that Apple is preparing to introduce an Apple Watch SE 4 at the same event.
That leaves several possibilities. Apple could be experiencing a temporary online store or inventory issue, supplies of the existing model may simply have been exhausted, or the company could have an unreported Apple Watch SE replacement ready for its September announcements.
Apple’s event takes place tomorrow, September 9, when the company is expected to unveil its next generation of iPhones alongside updates to the Apple Watch lineup and potentially other products.
Until Apple makes its announcements, the disappearance of the Apple Watch SE 3 should not be treated as confirmation that an SE 4 is coming. However, with the timing so close to the event, its sudden unavailability gives Apple Watch buyers another reason to wait before placing an order.