Apple Watch SE 3: New Model Not Expected to Launch Until Next Year

Apple has no plans to release a third-generation Apple Watch SE this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said the Apple Watch SE will remain on a two-year upgrade cycle, so the third-generation model can be expected to be released in September 2024.

apple watch se 2022
This means that the second-generation Apple Watch SE should remain a safe buy for customers considering purchasing one, as the device is not expected to be upgraded for over a year still and has plenty of time remaining in its lifecycle.

Previous generations of the Apple Watch SE launched in September 2020 and September 2022, as outlined in the MacRumors Buyer's Guide.

Priced starting at $249, the Apple Watch SE is the most affordable Apple Watch, but it lacks some features available on higher-end Apple Watch models, including the ECG app, Blood Oxygen app, an always-on display, and wrist temperature tracking. It also has thicker bezels and smaller case size options compared to the Apple Watch Series 7 and newer.

New models launching this year will include the Apple Watch Series 9 in two sizes, and a second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, according to Gurman.

Gurman also revealed that Apple tested a dark titanium color option for the Apple Watch Ultra last year, but decided against releasing it.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch SE
Related Forum: Apple Watch

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Top Rated Comments

doboy Avatar
24 months ago
Not every model needs to be updated yearly.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
japanime Avatar
24 months ago

"will remain on a two-year upgrade cycle" it was never on a two-year upgrade cycle. Apple Watch SE were released in 2019 and 2022.
The first-generation Apple Watch SE was released in 2020, not 2019.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarAnalogy Avatar
24 months ago
Honestly considering the price and limitations, and the fact that the Series 8 regularly goes on sale for $279, kind of hard to justify getting an SE, especially once it’s over a year old. $30 more gets you such a better device. I know it’s not the regular retail price but for two years now that’s been the price on Prime Day and it’s regularly on sale for not much more than that.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
name99 Avatar
24 months ago

I am guessing the main difference for the regular one will be finally updating the chip that has been in use since Series 6 if I am not mistaken? no new sensors?

Sounds like next year will be a great year to finally update Series 6 and iPhone 12 PM.
Saying that "the chip" has been unchanged is somewhat misleading.
The only thing that's known for certain in this respect is that the logical design of the *CPU CORE* is unchanged.
Other things in the watch have definitely changed:WiFi, BT, sensors, presence of U1, screen, amount of RAM, ...

It's possible, for example, that even as the CPU stayed the same, the GPU was upgraded? Or the implementation was improved (ie using say N5 rather than N7)? We honestly don't know.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple Fan 2008 Avatar
24 months ago
This makes since considering the last update took two years
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple Fan 2008 Avatar
24 months ago

Not every model needs to be updated yearly.
Especially budget models
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)