Apple announced on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, during the Awe Dropping event in Cupertino, California, two new Apple Watch versions targeting distinct audiences: the affordable SE 3 and the premium Ultra 3, expanding the wearable lineup with a focus on health, connectivity, and durability. The company, led by Tim Cook, unveiled the devices alongside iPhone 17 updates, highlighting innovations like a more efficient chip, always-on display for the SE 3, and satellite connectivity for the Ultra 3 in emergencies without cellular signal. These launches aim to broaden access to vital monitoring technologies, such as temperature detection for predicting ovulation in the SE 3 and a 42-hour battery life in the Ultra 3, ideal for outdoor activities. The globally streamed event drew attention for balancing affordability in the SE 3, starting at $249, with advanced features in the Ultra 3, priced at $799, addressing the demand for versatile options in a growing smartwatch market.
Apple executives explained that the SE 3 democratizes essential features, while the Ultra 3 enhances ruggedness for extreme sports.
- Key innovations include integration with watchOS 26, improving health data processing.
- The announcement comes amid growth in the wearable sector, with Apple maintaining global leadership.
The decision to launch both models simultaneously allows users to choose between affordability and performance without compromising compatibility with recent iPhones.
Design and build of the new models
The Apple Watch SE 3 adopts a lightweight aluminum chassis, available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, with a 10.7mm thickness, ideal for daily use by youth and families. Its square case retains compatibility with older bands but features thinner bezels for a modern look. Up to 30% recycled materials reinforce sustainability, and water resistance reaches 50 meters, suitable for recreational swimming.
Weighing between 26g and 33g, it ensures comfort for extended wear.
The Ultra 3 maintains a rugged titanium design, with a 49mm diameter and 14.4mm thickness, weighing 61g, built to withstand impacts and extreme temperatures. Its curved sapphire display resists scratches, and a new customizable Action Button enables quick shortcuts for functions like flashlight or compass.
Both watches feature updated optical sensors for precise heart rate tracking, including alerts for irregular rhythms.
- The SE 3 prioritizes lightness with vibrant aluminum color options.
- The Ultra 3 offers natural or black titanium, with an orange digital crown for visibility.
- Dust and sweat resistance in both meets MIL-STD 810H standards.
These build choices ensure durability without sacrificing comfort, suiting urban routines or expeditions.
Processing and software advancements
Equipped with the S11 chip, the SE 3 boosts performance over its predecessor, handling tasks like on-device Siri with greater speed and energy efficiency. This 4nm processor supports up to 64GB of storage, enabling more apps and local health data. Integration with watchOS 26 introduces double-tap gestures for intuitive control, like answering calls without touching the screen.
The updated OS includes context-based smart stacks, displaying relevant widgets, such as weather during runs.
In the Ultra 3, the S11 optimizes dual-frequency GPS for accuracy in dense urban areas or forests, reducing errors by up to 30% during trails.
- Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 802.11n support speeds up syncing.
- The SE 3 delivers 18 hours of battery in mixed use, with 80% charging in 45 minutes.
- The Ultra 3 extends to 42 hours, or 72 in low-power mode, ideal for multiday hikes.
These hardware and software upgrades deliver smoother experiences, from instant notifications to detailed sleep analysis.
Health and vital monitoring features
The SE 3 introduces skin temperature detection, useful for tracking menstrual cycles and predicting ovulation with 0.1°C accuracy, aiding family planning without extra equipment. Accelerometer and gyroscope sensors detect falls, automatically triggering emergency calls.
Blood oxygen monitoring and ambient noise alerts warn of hearing risks in loud environments.
The Ultra 3 advances with hypertension notifications, analyzing blood pressure trends via wrist optics, signaling variations for medical consultation without exact numerical readings. Its always-on altimeter measures real-time elevation, essential for mountaineering.
Both share sleep apnea detection, alerting for nighttime breathing pauses.
- SE 3 focuses on reproductive health with a dedicated cycle-tracking app.
- Ultra 3 includes ECG for heart rhythm, approved by regulatory agencies.
- VO2 max tracking assesses aerobic fitness during workouts.
- Compatibility with third-party apps expands to nutrition and meditation.
These health tools turn the watch into a proactive assistant, collecting data for weekly reports exportable to apps like Health.
Enhanced connectivity for mobility
The SE 3 retains integrated GPS and optional LTE, enabling iPhone-independent calls within a 10km radius. Its family setup uses a parent’s iPhone to configure kids’ accounts, with parental controls for apps and schedules.
The Ultra 3 introduces satellite connectivity for SOS, sending texts and location in areas without signal via the Globalstar network, similar to the iPhone 14. This covers emergencies in remote trails, with battery optimized to avoid quick drainage.
Support for 5G RedCap speeds up offline map downloads.
- SE 3 uses UWB for precise item location via Find My.
- Ultra 3 doubles satellite signal streams, covering 800 miles of orbit.
- iMessage and FaceTime integration works in standalone mode.
These connectivity options ensure users stay linked, whether in bustling cities or isolated expeditions, enhancing everyday safety.
Battery and real-world performance
The SE 3’s battery sustains 18 hours in typical scenarios, like 180 time checks, 90 minutes of app use, and a 60-minute workout with Bluetooth music. Fast charging reaches 80% in under an hour, minimizing downtime.
Internal tests show usage variance, but low-power mode extends to 36 hours.
The Ultra 3 excels with 42 hours in normal use, supporting 8 hours of LTE and 28 of Bluetooth, thanks to a larger coil and efficient LTPO3 display. In low-power mode, it reaches 72 hours, perfect for weekend adventures without recharging.
- Weak signal impacts battery life by 10-15%.
- MagSafe wireless charging is compatible with both.
- Software updates optimize consumption by up to 20%.
These battery capabilities meet varied demands, from busy daily routines to extended journeys, without compromising key features.
Customization and accessory options
Both models support interchangeable bands, with the SE 3 offering nylon or silicone for casual comfort and the Ultra 3 featuring elastic sports bands or leather for formal settings. New watch faces, like Waypoint on the Ultra 3, integrate compass and night mode for vision preservation.
The SE 3 includes kid-friendly complications with adapted activity rings.
- Over 50 band options, from sporty to formal.
- Colors include blue, pink, and black for SE 3.
- Ultra 3 has a limited-edition brushed titanium finish.
- Accessories like dual chargers support iPhone and Watch.
These customizations let users tailor the device to their lifestyle, enhancing versatility.
Apple ecosystem integration
The new Watches sync seamlessly with iOS 19, sharing fitness data for daily summaries on the iPhone. The SE 3 simplifies family setup via the Watch app, managing permissions remotely.
The Ultra 3’s satellite integrates with Find My for real-time tracking.
- Support for Apple Pay and car keys via NFC.
- Maps app uses GPS for offline routes.
- Over-the-air updates maintain security.
This connectivity strengthens the ecosystem, making the watches natural extensions of Apple devices.