The Apple Watch SE serves as Apple’s most affordable smartwatch, offering a modern design, capable chipset, and core health features at a lower price point. Replacing the discontinued Apple Watch Series 3, the SE provides a significant upgrade while maintaining budget-conscious compromises.
Design and Hardware
The second-generation Apple Watch SE (2022) retains a design similar to the Apple Watch Series 4, with an edge-to-edge Retina display—a notable improvement over the smaller screen of the Series 3. However, it lacks the curved edges of newer flagship models.
To reduce costs, Apple replaced the glass back with a color-matched plastic composite, cutting production emissions by 80%. The Digital Crown retains haptic feedback, while the microphone and speaker remain unchanged from the first-generation SE.
Performance and Sensors
Unlike other budget Apple products, the SE (2022) runs on the S8 System-in-Package (SiP), the same chipset found in the Apple Watch Series 8. While performance gains are minimal, the processor enables Crash Detection—a safety feature that uses an advanced accelerometer and gyroscope to detect severe car accidents. Key health sensors include:
- Heart rate monitoring (with high/low alerts)
- Fall Detection (automatically calls emergency services if unresponsive)
- Noise monitoring (alerts for unsafe decibel levels)
However, the SE omits premium health features like ECG, blood-oxygen sensing, and temperature tracking—found only in higher-end models.
Family Setup and Parental Controls
A standout feature is Family Setup, allowing parents to pair an Apple Watch SE to a child’s iPhone-free cellular plan. Key benefits include:
- Schooltime Mode (limits distractions during class)
- Location alerts for parents
- Activity tracking for kids
This makes the SE an attractive option for families seeking a low-cost, durable wearable for children.
watchOS 11 Updates
With watchOS 11 (releasing fall 2024), the SE gains:
- Vitals app (tracks sleep health metrics)
- Training Load insights (monitors workout intensity)
- Pauseable Activity Rings (maintains streaks during breaks)
While not as feature-rich as flagship models, the SE remains a capable device for fitness and notifications.
Pricing and Availability
The Apple Watch SE starts at 299 (44mm), with cellular models costing $50 extra. It remains unaffected by the U.S. import ban on Apple Watches with blood-oxygen sensors, keeping it widely available.
Future of the Apple Watch SE
Rumors suggest a third-generation SE could arrive in 2025, likely based on the Apple Watch Series 6 design. Apple may also explore a plastic Apple Watch for kids, though the SE already fills this niche.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch SE is ideal for:
- First-time buyers seeking an affordable Apple Watch
- Parents looking for a kid-friendly smartwatch
- Fitness enthusiasts who don’t need advanced health sensors
While it lacks premium features, its price, performance, and Family Setup make it a compelling choice in Apple’s wearable lineup.
Related topics:
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- Apple Watch Series 10 returns to $299 after $100 price cut on Amazon
- Apple Watch arrived on buyers’ wrists 10 years ago
