Apple Watch SE 3
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Apple Watch SE 3Price, Specs & What the Series 12 Adds

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Released Guide updated

Apple Watch SE 3 is the entry model in Apple's watch lineup, from $249 against $399 for the Series 12. It has the S10 chip, an Always-On display, sleep score, sleep apnea notifications, and Fall Detection and Crash Detection, and Apple rates it at up to 18 hours of battery. It has no ECG app, no Blood Oxygen app and no hypertension notifications.

Latest on Apple Watch Series 12

More newsAll Apple Watch news

Where it shines

  1. Kids and family

    Set it up from your own iPhone for a child with no phone: calls and texts with the contacts you approve, location in Find My, and Schooltime during class.

  2. Health

    High and low heart rate and irregular rhythm notifications, sleep apnea notifications and wrist temperature at the lowest Apple Watch price.

  3. Sleep

    A nightly sleep score and sleep stages, and a short charge before bed covers the night.

Comparison

Compare watches

How it compares

Price

$249

The official list price to buy it.

Weight

26g

Grams on your wrist. Lower is lighter.

Battery life

~18 hrs

How long it lasts on its own, away from a charger.

Price

Apple Watch SE 3
$249
Motorola Watch Ultra
$349.99
Galaxy Watch9
$379.99
Apple Watch Series 12
$399
Pixel Watch 5
$399

Current list prices.

Case only, without a strap, as officially quoted.

Battery life can vary based on usage, settings and firmware version.

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    Smartwatch mode runs up to 12 days on the 45mm and 10 days on the 41mm between charges.

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    Global offline maps with street and trail names and turn-by-turn directions, plus dual-frequency GPS and a dual-range barometer.

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Most paired with

Everything it works with

What the Apple Watch SE 3 works with

A smartwatch that works with iPhone. It does not work with Android.

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 work with iPhone?

Works

Apple Watch SE 3 pairs with an iPhone 11 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), through the Apple Watch app.

What you need
An iPhone 11 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later).

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 work with the AirPods Pro 3?

Yes. If you set up the AirPods Pro 3 with your iPhone, they are ready to use with your Apple Watch. You can also pair them in the watch Bluetooth settings.

See the AirPods Pro 3 Guide

The Mac is not a pairing phone: setup and updates go through an iPhone

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 work with Mac?

Some features missing

Apple Watch can unlock your Mac and approve its password requests, but it pairs with your iPhone, not the Mac.

What you need
Your Mac and Apple Watch signed in to the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, and a passcode on the watch.
What works
Auto Unlock, and approving administrator password requests with a double-click of the side button.
Good to know
The Mac is not a pairing phone: setup and updates go through an iPhone.

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 work with Android?

Doesn't work

Apple Watch works only with iPhone, so an Android phone cannot set up or pair an Apple Watch SE 3.

Quick answers

All FAQs

Quick answers

How much does the Apple Watch SE 3 cost?
It starts at $249 at Apple's US store for the GPS model. Apple lists the Series 12 from $399 and the Ultra 4 from $799.
Should I buy the Apple Watch SE 3?
Good to buy. No new model is close and the price is near its low, so we'd buy now. It is $249 at Apple, price checked Nov. 3, 2026. See the full answer on the Apple Watch SE 3
What sizes and colors does the Apple Watch SE 3 come in?
Two sizes, 40mm and 44mm, both with an aluminum case in Midnight or Starlight. The 40mm fits wrists 130 to 200mm around and the 44mm fits wrists 140 to 245mm around.

Get Apple Watch SE 3 updates

Email me when there's news.

Works with

Does it work with…?

Doesn't work

Apple Watch works only with iPhone, so an Android phone cannot set up or pair an Apple Watch SE 3.

Works

Apple Watch SE 3 plays audio to Bluetooth headphones or speakers, and can also play music and podcasts through its own speaker.

Works

Apple Watch SE 3 pairs with an iPhone 11 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), through the Apple Watch app.

What you need
An iPhone 11 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later).
WorksWorked out from the official minimum

It works with iPhone 11 and later.

  • iPhone 17: yes
  • iPhone 16: yes
  • iPhone 15: yes
  • iPhone 14: yes
  • iPhone 13: yes
  • iPhone 12: yes
  • iPhone 11: yes
  • Older than iPhone 11: no

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 work with iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15 or iPhone 16? Yes. Worked out from the officially stated minimum ("iPhone 11 or later"), not a separate test. See the sources.

Some features missing

Apple Watch can unlock your Mac and approve its password requests, but it pairs with your iPhone, not the Mac.

What you need
Your Mac and Apple Watch signed in to the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, and a passcode on the watch.
What works
Auto Unlock, and approving administrator password requests with a double-click of the side button.
Good to know
The Mac is not a pairing phone: setup and updates go through an iPhone.

Most paired with

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 work with iPhone?

Works

Apple Watch SE 3 pairs with an iPhone 11 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), through the Apple Watch app.

What you need
An iPhone 11 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later).

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 work with the AirPods Pro 3?

Yes. If you set up the AirPods Pro 3 with your iPhone, they are ready to use with your Apple Watch. You can also pair them in the watch Bluetooth settings.

See the AirPods Pro 3 Guide

The Mac is not a pairing phone: setup and updates go through an iPhone

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 work with Mac?

Some features missing

Apple Watch can unlock your Mac and approve its password requests, but it pairs with your iPhone, not the Mac.

What you need
Your Mac and Apple Watch signed in to the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, and a passcode on the watch.
What works
Auto Unlock, and approving administrator password requests with a double-click of the side button.
Good to know
The Mac is not a pairing phone: setup and updates go through an iPhone.

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 work with Android?

Doesn't work

Apple Watch works only with iPhone, so an Android phone cannot set up or pair an Apple Watch SE 3.

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 work with the AirPods 5?

Yes. If you set up the AirPods 5 with your iPhone, they are ready to use with your Apple Watch. You can also pair them in the watch Bluetooth settings.

See the AirPods 5 Guide

What you need

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 work with iPhone?

Works

Apple Watch SE 3 pairs with an iPhone 11 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), through the Apple Watch app.

What you need
An iPhone 11 or later, including iPhone SE (2nd generation or later).

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 work with Mac?

Some features missing

Apple Watch can unlock your Mac and approve its password requests, but it pairs with your iPhone, not the Mac.

What you need
Your Mac and Apple Watch signed in to the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, and a passcode on the watch.
What works
Auto Unlock, and approving administrator password requests with a double-click of the side button.
Good to know
The Mac is not a pairing phone: setup and updates go through an iPhone.

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 work with Mac?

Some features missing

Apple Watch can unlock your Mac and approve its password requests, but it pairs with your iPhone, not the Mac.

What you need
Your Mac and Apple Watch signed in to the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, and a passcode on the watch.
What works
Auto Unlock, and approving administrator password requests with a double-click of the side button.
Good to know
The Mac is not a pairing phone: setup and updates go through an iPhone.

Supports

Some features missing

On a GPS + Cellular model. Apple Watch For Your Kids sets up an SE 3 from a parent's iPhone for a child with no iPhone, but some features are not available that way.

What you need
A GPS + Cellular model and a parent's iPhone for setup.
What works
Calls and messages with approved contacts, location in Find My, Schooltime, Emergency SOS and Activity goals.
Good to know
Sleep, Cycle Tracking, Wrist Temperature, irregular heart rhythm notifications, tap gestures and international roaming are not available; Fall Detection is for users 18 and older.
Some features missing

Emergency SOS, Fall Detection and Crash Detection, yes. Emergency SOS via satellite, no.

What you need
A cellular connection or Wi-Fi calling, from the watch or a nearby iPhone.
What works
Emergency SOS from the side button, Fall Detection and Crash Detection.
Good to know
No Emergency SOS via satellite.

How it works

Works

It charges with the Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable in the box, and fast-charges to about 80% in 45 minutes.

What you need
A USB-C power adapter (none is listed in the box).
Sep 9, 2025 · Announced
Apple introduces Apple Watch SE 3
Apple introduced Apple Watch SE 3 with the S10 chip, an Always-On display, fast charging, sleep score and sleep apnea notifications, from $249.
Sep 19, 2025 · Went on sale
Apple Watch SE 3 goes on sale
Apple Watch SE 3 went on sale in 40mm and 44mm sizes, in Midnight and Starlight aluminum.

At a glance

Apple Watch SE 3THIS PRODUCTApple Watch SE 3Apple Watch Series 12COMPARE WITHApple Watch Series 12
Display
Always-On Retina OLED (LTPO), up to 1,000 nits
LTPO3 OLED, 2,000 nitsCeramic Shield 2 on aluminium
Battery
Up to 18 hrs (up to 32 hrs in Low Power Mode)15 minutes of charging for up to 8 hrs
Up to 24 hrs38 hrs Low Power Mode
Works with
iPhone only (iPhone 11 or later)
iPhone only
Water resistance
50mswimproof
WR50M · IP6X
Price
From $249
From $399
Blood pressure
No hypertension notifications
Hypertension notifications (no readings)
Sleep apnea
Yes (sleep apnea notifications)
Yes (FDA)
Emergency help
No (no Emergency SOS via satellite)
No
Weight
26.3g (40mm) or 32.9g (44mm), GPS models
31.5 to 52.9gby size/material
Design
Aluminum case in Midnight or Starlight40mm (fits 130 to 200mm wrists) or 44mm (fits 140 to 245mm wrists)
42mm / 46mmaluminium, titanium or ceramic; eight finishes
Show 2 more specs
Health sensors
Unknown
ECG app, blood oxygen, wrist temperature, heart rate variability (HRV)
Payments
Unknown
Apple Pay
Technical specs
Processor
S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor
Apple S11 (64-bit dual-core, 4-core Neural Engine, 64GB)
Software
watchOS
watchOS 27
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 4, L1 GPS5G and LTE on GPS + Cellular models
5G RedCap + LTE + Wi-Fi
Charging
Unknown
Fast charging: up to 80% in about 30 minutes
AI assistant
Siri powered by Apple Intelligence
Siri AI on watch (watchOS 27 beta)
Buy
See prices
See prices
Apple Watch SE 3
Apple

Good to buy.

No new model is close and the price is near its low, so we'd buy now.

Apple Watch SE 3

About Apple

Apple makes the iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, and is known for hardware and software designed to work together.

Visit Apple
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AirPods 5AirPods Pro 3AirPods MaxiPhone 17

Where to buy

StorePriceIn stockAction
Apple$249Buy

Price history

No new model is close and the price is near its low, so we'd buy now.

Last 30 days
No change$249 since Oct 22
Stores we check
1Apple
On sale since
Sep 19, 2025
Price checks
13 over 13 days

All smartwatch prices

Returns and warranty

Returns
14-day returns· the clock starts the day it arrives
Warranty
1-year warranty· starts the day you buy it
Returns and warranty details

Returns

  • Send it back like new

    Return it in its original condition with all included parts, accessories and packaging.

  • How you get your money back

    Card refunds go to your bank within five business days after Apple receives the item. Returns may be inspected; approved refunds or exchanges are issued within 10 business days. Cash returns over $750 are paid by check within 10 business days.

Warranty

Covered

  • Defects in materials and workmanship

    Apple Watch is covered against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of original retail purchase, under a separate Apple Watch warranty document.

  • Battery covered only for defects

    The standard warranty covers a battery only if it fails from a defect. The 80 percent rule belongs to AppleCare, not to the free warranty: AppleCare plans cover batteries that keep less than 80% of their original capacity.

Not covered

  • Water damage

    For iPhone and Apple Vision Pro the warranty names liquid contact as an excluded cause, and Apple's iPhone water page says liquid damage is not covered under warranty. The Apple Watch warranty's version of the same clause does not list liquid contact; see the Apple Watch overrides.

  • Accidents and misuse

    Damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, fire, earthquake or other external cause is not covered (iPhone, Vision Pro, Apple Watch). The AirPods warranty excludes damage from abuse, accident, modifications or unauthorized repairs.

  • Scratches and dents

    Cosmetic damage such as scratches, dents and broken plastic on ports is not covered unless it comes from a defect.

  • Normal wear and aging

    Defects caused by normal wear and tear or normal aging are not covered.

  • Repairs by other shops

    Damage from service by anyone who is not Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider is not covered.

  • How it gets fixed

    Apple chooses to repair, replace with the same model (or a similar one with your consent), or refund the purchase price. For mail-in service Apple sends prepaid waybills and pays shipping both ways if you follow its packing instructions.

Good to know

  • Activation Lock / Find My

    If the security features are on and cannot be turned off by the person returning it, Apple may refuse the return.

  • Opened software

    Opened software, software downloads and gift cards cannot be returned.

What's in the box

What comes in the box with the Apple Watch SE 3?

Here is what you get when you open it.

Apple Watch SE 3
Band
Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable (1m)

From Apple. Checked Oct 21, 2026.

Apple Watch Ultra 4UnknownAvailable nowGuide News
Pixel Watch 5$399Available nowGuide News
Galaxy Watch9$349+Available nowGuide News
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2$699Available nowGuide News

Frequently asked questions

Questions about Apple Watch SE 3

Top questions

How much does the Apple Watch SE 3 cost?
It starts at $249 at Apple's US store for the GPS model. Apple lists the Series 12 from $399 and the Ultra 4 from $799.
Should I buy the Apple Watch SE 3?
Good to buy. No new model is close and the price is near its low, so we'd buy now. It is $249 at Apple, price checked Nov. 3, 2026. See the full answer on the Apple Watch SE 3
What sizes and colors does the Apple Watch SE 3 come in?
Two sizes, 40mm and 44mm, both with an aluminum case in Midnight or Starlight. The 40mm fits wrists 130 to 200mm around and the 44mm fits wrists 140 to 245mm around.
How long does the Apple Watch SE 3 battery last?
Apple rates it at up to 18 hours of normal use and up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode, so plan to charge it every day. Fast charging helps: 15 minutes gives up to 8 hours of normal use, and it reaches 80% in about 45 minutes.
Does the Apple Watch SE 3 have an ECG or blood oxygen?
No. It has no ECG app, no Blood Oxygen app and no hypertension notifications. It does have high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications and sleep apnea notifications.
What does the Series 12 have that the SE 3 does not?
The Series 12 starts at $399 and adds the ECG app, the Blood Oxygen app, hypertension notifications and the S11 chip. Its screen reaches up to 2000 nits against up to 1000 on the SE 3, and Apple rates its battery at up to 24 hours against up to 18.
What sleep tracking does the Apple Watch SE 3 have?
Sleep stages, a nightly sleep score and sleep apnea notifications, plus wrist temperature in the Vitals app. Sleep apnea notifications are for people 18 and older without a sleep apnea diagnosis. 8 minutes of charging gives up to 8 hours of sleep tracking.
Does the Apple Watch SE 3 have Fall Detection?
Yes. If it detects a hard fall and you stay still for about a minute, it calls emergency services, then sends your emergency contacts a message with your location. Fall Detection is for people 18 or older and turns on by itself if your age is set to 55 or over. It cannot detect all falls.
Can the Apple Watch SE 3 call for help without my iPhone?
On a GPS + Cellular model with a cellular plan, yes: press and hold the side button to call emergency services from the watch. The GPS model needs Wi-Fi calling or your iPhone nearby. It also has Crash Detection, but no Emergency SOS via satellite.
Can I set up an Apple Watch SE 3 for a child who has no iPhone?
Yes, with Apple Watch For Your Kids. You need the GPS + Cellular model, and you set it up and manage it from your own iPhone. Your child gets their own phone number and Apple Account, calls and texts the contacts you approve, and shows up in Find My. Apple recommends the SE 3 with GPS + Cellular for this.
What does not work on a child's Apple Watch SE 3?
On a watch set up with Apple Watch For Your Kids, Sleep, Cycle Tracking, Wrist Temperature, irregular heart rhythm notifications, the tap and wrist flick gestures and international roaming are not available. Fall Detection is for users 18 and older, and Apple Pay with a credit or debit card is not available.
Can I swim with the Apple Watch SE 3?
Yes. It is water resistant to 50 meters, for shallow water like a pool or the ocean. It is not for scuba diving, waterskiing or other high-speed water sports.
Can the Apple Watch SE 3 play music through headphones or its own speaker?
Both. It plays audio to Bluetooth headphones or speakers, and it can play music and podcasts out loud through its own speaker.
What comes in the Apple Watch SE 3 box?
The watch, a band and an Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable (1m). No power adapter is listed.

Using it

What does it cost?
It costs $249. That is the list price.
Does it measure blood pressure?
No, it does not measure blood pressure.
Does it have GPS?
Yes, it has its own GPS. It works without your phone.
Does it do 5G?
Yes, it does 5G.
How heavy is it?
It weighs 26.3g to 33g. The weight varies by size or finish.
How sharp and bright is the screen?
The screen reaches 1000 nits at its brightest. It packs 326 pixels into every inch.
Does it take an ECG?
No, it does not take an ECG.
Does it measure blood oxygen?
No, it does not measure blood oxygen.
Does it track heart rate?
Yes, it tracks your heart rate.
Does it read skin temperature?
Yes, it reads your skin temperature.

Sizing and fit

What sizes does it come in?
Case sizes: Apple Watch SE 3 is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes in midnight and starlight aluminum cases. Aluminum case in Midnight or Starlight; 40mm (fits 130 to 200mm wrists) or 44mm (fits 140 to 245mm wrists)

Water

Can it get wet (shower, pool, swimming)?
Yes, you can shower and swim in it. It is rated to 50m, and for snorkelling.

Price and models

Is there a newer one?
Yes: the Apple Watch Series 12, out September 18, 2026.

Returns and warranty

How long do I have to return it?
14-day returns The clock starts the day it arrives.
Is there a restocking fee?
Restocking fee: not stated by Apple
Who pays return shipping?
Who pays return shipping: not stated by Apple Start the return online and print a return label, then schedule a carrier pickup or drop it at the carrier. You can also return it at any U.S. Apple Store.
Can I return it if I opened or wore it?
Send it back like new Return it in its original condition with all included parts, accessories and packaging.
How do I get my money back?
How you get your money back Card refunds go to your bank within five business days after Apple receives the item. Returns may be inspected; approved refunds or exchanges are issued within 10 business days. Cash returns over $750 are paid by check within 10 business days.
How long is the warranty?
1-year warranty Starts the day you buy it.
Is water damage covered?
Water damage not covered For iPhone and Apple Vision Pro the warranty names liquid contact as an excluded cause, and Apple's iPhone water page says liquid damage is not covered under warranty. The Apple Watch warranty's version of the same clause does not list liquid contact; see the Apple Watch overrides.
Is the battery covered?
Battery covered only for defects The standard warranty covers a battery only if it fails from a defect. The 80 percent rule belongs to AppleCare, not to the free warranty: AppleCare plans cover batteries that keep less than 80% of their original capacity.

In the box

What's in the box?
Apple Watch SE 3, Band, Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable (1m).

Works with

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 work with Mac?
Partly. Apple Watch can unlock your Mac and approve its password requests, but it pairs with your iPhone, not the Mac. Some features missing
Does the Apple Watch SE 3 support Satellite / emergency SOS?
Emergency SOS, Fall Detection and Crash Detection, yes. Emergency SOS via satellite, no. Some features missing

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