TL;DR
Apple released three new models: Series 11, SE 3 and the high-end Ultra 3. For most buyers the choice is between the value-focused SE 3 and the more feature-rich Series 11; Ultra 3 targets niche and athletic users.
What happened
Apple introduced three Apple Watch models this year: the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. Pricing places the Ultra 3 at the top end ($799), while the SE 3 starts at $249 and the Series 11 at $399. The SE 3 received a substantial upgrade from its predecessor, moving from the S8 to the S10 chip and gaining an always-on display, faster charging, improved crack resistance, wrist-temperature sensing and retrospective ovulation estimates for cycle tracking. The Series 11 and SE 3 share a number of software and safety features — including the S10 chip, always-on Retina display, heart-rate notifications, fall and crash detection, Emergency SOS and sleep tracking with temperature sensing — but differ on battery, advanced health sensors, display brightness and materials. The Ultra 3 remains positioned as a premium option for specialized users and athletes.
Why it matters
- The SE 3 narrows the gap between Apple’s budget and standard models, offering many core features at a lower price.
- Series 11 adds more advanced health sensors and longer battery life for users who need deeper health monitoring.
- Shared software and safety features mean many day-to-day experiences are similar across the SE 3 and Series 11, shifting decisions toward health, battery and materials.
- Ultra 3’s higher price positions it for niche, performance-oriented buyers rather than mainstream consumers.
Key facts
- Three models released: Series 11, SE 3 and Ultra 3.
- Starting prices: SE 3 at $249, Series 11 at $399, Ultra 3 at $799.
- Both Series 11 and SE 3 use the S10 chip and offer an always-on Retina display.
- Shared safety and health features include high/low heart rate alerts, irregular rhythm notifications, fall and crash detection, Emergency SOS, sleep tracking and temperature sensing.
- Fast charging: Series 11 can reach about 80% in ~30 minutes; SE 3 can reach about 80% in ~45 minutes; both can provide around eight hours of use after 15 minutes of charging.
- Battery life: Series 11 up to 24 hours (28 hours in low-power mode); SE 3 up to 18 hours (32 hours in low-power mode).
- Series 11 includes additional health tools: hypertension notifications, an electrical heart sensor, ECG app and Blood Oxygen app (listed as Series 11 features).
- Display and build differences: Series 11 reaches up to 2,000 nits with a wide-angle OLED and is offered in aluminum and titanium (46mm and 44mm); SE 3 reaches up to 1,000 nits with a simpler OLED, in aluminum only (44mm and 40mm).
- Series 11 adds hardware like a depth gauge to 6 meters, a water temperature sensor, lower minimum brightness and IP6X dust resistance.
What to watch next
- Whether the SE 3’s upgrades (S10 chip, always-on display, wrist temperature sensing) are sufficient for most buyers.
- If advanced health monitoring (ECG, blood oxygen, hypertension detection) becomes a deciding factor for buyers choosing Series 11 over the SE 3.
- Ultra 3 uptake among athletes and niche users versus mainstream buyers — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Always-on display: A screen mode that keeps key information like time or complications visible without fully waking the device.
- ECG (electrocardiogram): A feature that records the electrical activity of the heart to help detect certain arrhythmias.
- Nit: A unit of brightness used to describe display luminance; higher nits indicate a brighter screen.
- IP6X dust resistance: An industry dust-resistance rating indicating strong protection against dust ingress.
- Fast charging: Charging technology that replenishes battery capacity significantly faster than standard charging rates.
Reader FAQ
Is the Apple Watch SE 3 a good value?
The source describes the SE 3 as an excellent and affordable choice for users who want essential smartwatch features and highlights its significant upgrades over the SE 2.
Do the Series 11 and SE 3 share the same performance chip?
Yes. The source states both models use the S10 chip.
Does the SE 3 include the ECG app and blood oxygen monitoring?
Not confirmed in the source.
Is the Ultra 3 intended for most consumers?
No. The source positions the Ultra 3 as a high-end model aimed at niche and athletic users.
This year, Apple released three new Apple Watch models: the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. If you received an Apple gift card…
Sources
- A guide to choosing the right Apple Watch
- Apple Watch Series 11 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Ultra 3 and SE 3
- Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Ultra 3 vs. SE 3
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