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Apple Watch SE 3 Could Get New Display Sizes

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Apple is working on an updated version of the low-cost Apple Watch SE, and the displays for the new model have entered production, according to display analyst Ross Young.

new-apple-watch-se-blue.jpeg

Young says that the new Apple Watch SE 3 will be available with 1.6-inch and 1.8-inch display sizes, which suggests little in the way of an upgrade over the current Apple Watch SE models. The Apple Watch SE 2 comes in 40mm and 44mm size options, and Apple could stick with those sizes for the next-generation models.

The Apple Watch SE has historically been based on an existing Apple Watch model, and the current version is based on the Apple Watch Series 6. Apple could continue with another model based on the Series 6 design, but there are other options. The display sizes could be off somewhat due to rounding issues and Apple could be planning for a larger Series 7 design with 41mm and 45mm sizes, or the new Apple Watch SE could get an entirely new design.

There were rumors that Apple was working on an Apple Watch SE with a hard plastic casing in a variety of fun colors, though it's not clear if Apple followed through with that design plan. If Apple did opt for an SE design that does not follow existing Apple Watch models, it's possible that the Apple Watch SE could have 1.6 and 1.8-inch displays in a smaller, slimmed down chassis that's closer to 38mm and 42mm size options. In this scenario, the next Apple Watch SE would be smaller than the current Apple Watch SE, but with a larger display area and slimmer bezels for a more modern look.

Apple has been marketing the Apple Watch SE as a low-cost option for children, so a smaller Apple Watch SE 3 seems plausible as it would better fit smaller wrists.

We'll learn more about the Apple Watch SE as its launch approaches. We're expecting the new device to come out in September alongside upgraded Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 models.

Article Link: Apple Watch SE 3 Could Get New Display Sizes
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/04/29/apple-watch-se-3-could-get-new-display-sizes/
Given that the S6 size really was introduced with the S4 and that is now vintage, it seems more plausible that the new SE will be S7/8/9 based. The more interesting question is whether or not it will get AOD.

MacRumors said:
There were rumors that Apple was working on an Apple Watch SE with a hard plastic casing in a variety of fun colors, though it's not clear if Apple followed through with that design plan.
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there was a rumor, but since Apple never confirmed nor talked about it, it is not a plan, still a rumor.
 
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MacRumors said:
Young says that the new Apple Watch SE 3 will be available with 1.6-inch and 1.8-inch display sizes, which suggests little in the way of an upgrade over the current Apple Watch SE models. The Apple Watch SE 2 comes in 40mm and 44mm size options, and Apple could stick with those sizes for the next-generation models.
Click to expand...
How are these inch display sizes relevant here?
 
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AppleTO said:
I wonder if they'll discontinue the SE branding here as well and just have a Series 10e or 11e?
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Making the SE casing always internally compatible with the latest Series SIP might clobber any savings from reusing tooling… unless the SE is indeed moving to a plastic casing. I hope so—I miss the “unapologetic” 5c days!
 
Surely it will be a rehashed version of an older model like the series 8 or 9.

And we had always on displays since series 5 so it absolutely should have that at a minimum.

You can find a series 9 for as low as $250 right now for crying out loud.
 
SamRyouji said:
For some people yes, the size does matter. But not for me. As long as it could satisfy me, I don't care. :p

The only thing that holds me back buying the SE is the apparent lack of Always On Display.
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Having had one, I will say that compared to the Series 10, the other drawback was how much slower and less responsive the interface is on the SE. It's not the kind of thing I'd think would bother me, but when I got the 10 it really stood out as a massive improvement.
 
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jz0309 said:
Given that the S6 size really was introduced with the S4 and that is now vintage, it seems more plausible that the new SE will be S7/8/9 based. The more interesting question is whether or not it will get AOD.


there was a rumor, but since Apple never confirmed nor talked about it, it is not a plan, still a rumor.
Click to expand...
Agree, I think we’re simply looking at the old apple trick of using the older s7 chassis for a new product.

I doubt it will have an aod as that’s a prime way for apple to upsell.

However, even the cheapest android phones are getting aod so apple continuing to hawk this as a ‘premium’ feature, is looking dubious.

I’m sure it would be way easier for them if they took the s7/8/9 chassis and simply put in the s9 display with the latest chip. But this is apple. They won’t enable the aod.

I’ll be interested to know which health features that they miss out.

Afib again? Sleep apnea detection? Blood oxygen too I’d guess.

The list is getting shorter of things that they could miss out without it feeling like it’s being deliberately compromised.
 
SamRyouji said:
For some people yes, the size does matter. But not for me. As long as it could satisfy me, I don't care. :p

The only thing that holds me back buying the SE is the apparent lack of Always On Display.
Click to expand...
Yeah, same with me… For me, the SE would be perfectly fine, regardless of size, material, sensors, speed etc. As long as it has the always on display!

My old Series 5 ist getting laggy… (edit: And doesn’t support watchOS 11)
 
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cihag said:
I mean, deliberately compromising is fine, I guess, as long as it keeps the price down…

But a smart watch without the always on display would feel so outdated!
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If they market it as a fitness and communications focussed device for reasonably active and fit younger people, then the all round health stuff could be ditched.

Unless you have a condition - or are not at risk of getting anything - the blood oxygen and respiratory stuff & afib and sleep apnea are a little bit unnecessary.

I think also that the rumoured health+ service is another part of this story that they really need to launch at the same time as a new se (or series 11e?)
 
Need an Apple Watch Lite with 7 days minimum battery life. A basic watch that does your standard sleep tracking, steps, workout, notifications. Nothing more.
 
In terms of people who reply, I'm in the minority: I turned off AOD immediately upon receiving my AW8 (release). I don't need it on always, I don't mind interacting with it to see the time, and I like to preserve the battery as much as possible.

-bdd
 
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A new press release from the U.S. Department of Commerce quotes Apple CEO Tim Cook:

We're proud to support the high-skilled American jobs of tomorrow. As TSMC Arizona's first and largest customer, we're excited for the future of American innovation and the incredible opportunities it will create.


This MUST be the most hypocrit bull ive read this year. Licking diaper donny, to avoid tarivs
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