Apple Watch SE 3: A Smartphone Replacement to Keep Your Kids Safer

According to a recent leak, Apple is developing the Apple Watch SE 3. This new product line will feature a hard plastic case design and come with useful features. It is introduced as a suitable smartphone replacement for kids.

Apple Watch SE 3 Will Be Designed for Kids

If you recall, Apple first launched the Apple Watch SE alongside the Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020. With a design featuring an aluminum case and ceramic back like the Series 6, the device had a starting price of $279. Recently, in the Power On weekly newsletter, journalist Mark Gurman reiterated his report from the previous month, stating that Apple is working on a new, more affordable version of the SE smartwatch, likely the Apple Watch SE 3.

He noted that the device's build, which uses hard plastic material, indicates that the Apple Watch SE 3 will be entirely suitable for children. Apple is expected to introduce this device as a smartphone alternative for kids. If that is indeed the target audience for the next SE version, then the plastic case will likely come in a variety of vibrant and eye-catching colors. Offering a special edition of the watch for kids is a clever and unique idea. Although Apple has yet to reveal how they will position this device, the more affordable price is sure to be more appropriate for child users.

What Features Will Be Retained in the Apple Watch SE 3?

The Apple Watch SE 2 used a color-matched composite nylon back to reduce costs, and this design is likely to be continued in the next model.

Additionally, the blood oxygen sensor and ECG app, as well as the body temperature sensor, may not appear on the third-generation Apple Watch SE. Both the first and second-generation Apple Watch SE models had many premium features omitted to keep the price affordable, and Apple is likely to apply the same strategy to the third-generation model.

If it does include any new health features from the main Apple Watch line, the most likely one would be ECG, as this feature was first introduced on the Apple Watch Series 4 in 2018.

Similarly, the Apple Watch SE has never had an Ultra-Wideband chip, so it’s possible that Apple will equip the Apple Watch SE 3 with the second-generation Ultra-Wideband chip.

Will the Apple Watch SE Be More Affordable?

According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple is expected to introduce the third version of the Apple Watch SE next month. The watch will debut with a new look and design. Gurman noted that one reason Apple is using a new hard plastic case for the watch instead of the current aluminum case is to lower the product’s price. This could be part of a plan to bring the price below $200 to compete with some of Apple Watch's other rivals. There are currently many smartwatches on the market priced below this threshold, and the Apple Watch SE 3 needs to meet price criteria to better reach users.

Of course, using plastic for the case not only helps reduce production costs but also allows the company to offer more diverse color options. If you remember, Apple did something similar with the iPhone 5C. Using plastic could also help differentiate the Apple Watch SE 3 from other regular Apple Watch models on the market. However, not all users are fond of a product made from plastic. The Apple Watch SE models will also lack some health features, so a more affordable price will be suitable for this product to find its target users.

When Will the Apple Watch SE 3 Be Released?

Apple has yet to confirm the exact release date of the Apple Watch SE 3. The previous version was launched in September 2020. About two years later, the Apple Watch SE 2 was released in September 2022. Therefore, many sources currently suggest that the Apple Watch SE 3 will appear around fall 2024. For the upcoming Apple Watch SE 3, Apple will base its design on the Apple Watch Series 8. Thus, this version will feature a 1.61-inch display and be equipped with the S9 chip. Although the Apple Watch SE 3 may be designed for kids, this smartwatch will deliver superior performance and will also be an excellent smartwatch for adults to use.