According to a fresh leak reported by 9To5Mac, Apple may be just days away from unveiling the Apple Watch SE 3, and I have to admit—I’m pretty intrigued. The rumor mill says the new watch will feature Apple’s latest S11 chip and a larger display, both of which sound like solid upgrades for an “entry-level” smartwatch.
I’ve always felt that the SE line strikes the right balance between affordability and functionality, so hearing that Apple might pack more power into this year’s model without a steep price hike has me paying attention.
Here’s what really stood out to me from the leaks:
Health functions I’d actually use:
The SE 3 may include sleep apnea detection for the first time, plus a third-generation optical heart rate sensor. As someone who tracks sleep and workouts daily, this feels like a meaningful upgrade, not just another “nice to have.”A bigger, better display:
Rumor has it the watch will come in 1.6-inch and 1.8-inch sizes with slimmer bezels, similar to the Series 7 design. Personally, I’ve always found the SE’s black borders distracting, so this change is one I’d welcome.Body material mystery:
There’s still no clarity on what material Apple will use. At one point, analysts claimed Apple might switch from aluminum to hard plastic, but even Apple’s own design team reportedly thought it looked “too cheap.” I’m hoping they stick with aluminum—it just feels more premium on the wrist.Price that doesn’t scare me off:
Thankfully, Apple appears to be maintaining the SE’s budget-friendly identity. The 40mm model is rumored to start at $249, while the 44mm version could be $279. For me, that’s a reasonable entry point, especially given the rumored upgrades.
If these leaks are true, the Apple Watch SE 3 might be the sweet spot between affordability and Apple’s cutting-edge health tech. Personally, I’m holding off on upgrading until the official reveal—but if Apple really delivers on performance and screen quality, I can see myself finally making the jump.
