Apple Announces Second-Generation Apple Watch SE With S8 Chip and Crash Detection for $249

Apple today unveiled the second-generation Apple Watch SE, featuring the S8 chip, Crash Detection, and new color options at a lower $249 price point.

apple watch se 2
The second-generation Apple Watch SE offers the core Apple Watch experience at a more affordable price. The Apple Watch SE is now 20 percent faster thanks to the S8 chip, the same chip from the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra. The S8 chip allows the Apple Watch SE to deliver Crash Detection, international roaming, and Low Power Mode.

The back case has been redesigned with a new, color-matched nylon composite material to reduce its weight. The second-generation Apple Watch SE is available in a refreshed series of color options, including Midnight, Starlight, and Silver.

apple watch se nylon composite back
The second-generation Apple Watch SE starts at $249 for the GPS model and $299 for the cellular model. Orders open today and it will become available on September 16.

The second-generation Apple Watch SE follows the now-discontinued first-generation model released in September 2020, which started at $279.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch SE 3
Related Forum: Apple Watch

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Top Rated Comments

JPack Avatar
41 months ago
This is honestly the more important announcement as it's a mainstream Watch that everyone can afford, especially with an S8.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jmausmuc Avatar
41 months ago

I want to buy my wife an Apple Watch today, and I'm trying to figure out the differences between the Series 8 and the new SE. This is what I put together, but what am I missing?

-SE has no Always On Display
-SE has a smaller display?
-SE has no temperature sensor, but has most of the health features found in other Apple Watches
-SE has no fast charging?
No ECG
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ChrisMoBro Avatar
41 months ago

SE1 is slow as heck.
Really? Doesn’t it use the same chip as the S5? I have that model and it’s lightning fast
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ekuLoN Avatar
41 months ago
S8 chip means S7 chip. Which means S6 chip based on a13 cores. That was the last real upgrade with SiP aspect
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
infinitedreams Avatar
41 months ago
So only thing new about this watch is car crash detection. Will stick with my SE 1.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
erikkfi Avatar
41 months ago
So back to a composite back from ceramic. That's disappointing. My S0's composite back became scuffed over time just from going on the charger.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)