Apple Watch SE (2nd gen): specs, who it fits and compatible phones
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) is a smartwatch released in 2022 that works with iPhone. It lists Standard GPS, Apple Pay and Ion-X.
Specifications
| Release year | 2022 · Archive |
|---|---|
| Case size | 40 / 44 mm |
| Display | OLED, Always-On |
| Brightness | 1000 nits |
| Battery as listed | Up to 18 hours |
| Glass | Ion-X |
| Case material | Aluminum |
| GPS type | Standard GPS |
| Operating system | watchOS 9 (still updated) |
| Works with | iPhone |
| Connection | eSIM · LTE |
| Contactless wallet | Apple Pay |
| Plan needed | None |
| Health sensors | Heart rate |
| Safety features | SOS, Fall detection |
Archive label: released at least 30 months ago. This does not indicate current availability or support.
Who it fits
- Works with iPhone.
- Lists SOS or fall detection, see our guide for older adults.
Overview
The Watch SE (2nd generation, September 2022) was until recently the budget entry into Apple's ecosystem: the same S8 chip as the Series 8 generation, fall and crash detection and Emergency SOS, at a $249 official launch price. Apple replaced it with the Watch SE 3 in September 2025 and no longer sells the SE 2 directly, but retailers still carry it. You give up Always-On display, ECG, temperature sensing and SpO2 compared with the regular line of its era.
What it does well
- Flagship-adjacent performance: the S8 chip keeps watchOS fluid, and the watch still receives updates (shipped with watchOS 9, still updated per Apple's specs).
- The safety set is complete: fall detection, car-crash detection and Emergency SOS, the features families buy it for.
- Swimproof per Apple: Apple's tech specs list 50 m water resistance (swimproof) and full swim workouts: pool and open-water swims, SWOLF score, automatic stroke detection, kickboard detection, splits and auto sets.
- Apple Pay, and an LTE cellular option for phone-free calls and messages.
Tradeoffs to know
- No Always-On display, no ECG, no temperature sensor, no SpO2: that is what the extra money bought in the regular line of its generation (note the newer SE 3 added Always-On).
- Up to 18 hours of battery means daily charging, no exceptions.
- Works with iPhone only.
- GPS is single-band (L1, per Apple's tech specs); dual-frequency arrived in the Ultra line.
Price and availability
$249 official launch price; European retailers currently list roughly EUR 226-340 depending on size and cellular: different configurations and sellers, not one price. Apple itself has discontinued it after the SE 3. Prices can change.
FAQ
Apple Watch SE 2 or the newer SE 3?
The SE 3 (September 2025) added Always-On and newer health features at the same $249 launch price. The SE 2 makes sense only at a clear retailer discount; at similar money, the SE 3 is the better buy.
Can I swim with the SE 2?
Yes. Apple rates the SE (2nd gen) water resistant to 50 m and documents pool and open-water swim workouts, with automatic stroke detection and SWOLF, on its own tech-specs page.
Does it work with Android?
No. Apple Watch pairs with iPhone only.
How it compares
Closest models from Apple
| Model | Release year | Case size | Battery as listed | Water rating | GPS type | Works with |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 9 | 2023 | 41 / 45 mm | Up to 18 hours (36 hours in low power mode) | IP6X | Standard GPS | iOS only |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | 2024 | 42 / 46 mm | Up to 18 hours (36 hours in low power mode) | IP6X | Standard GPS | iOS only |
| Apple Watch SE 3 | 2025 | 40 / 44 mm | Up to 18 hours | 5ATM | Standard GPS | iOS only |
Compared with Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) lists an older release year (2022 against 2023), a dimmer listed display (1000 nits against 2000) and Aluminum case material, where Apple Watch Series 9 lists Aluminum / stainless steel.
Compared with Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) lists an older release year (2022 against 2024), a dimmer listed display (1000 nits against 2000) and Aluminum case material, where Apple Watch Series 10 lists Aluminum / titanium.
Compared with Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) lists an older release year (2022 against 2025).
Only values listed exactly are compared.
Phone compatibility and plan
No plan is listed as needed. Has eSIM or LTE, so it can work without the phone if you add a carrier plan.
Sensors and features are listed as the maker names them and are not medical measurements.
Related guides and lists
- Battery life explained
- Phone compatibility
- Water resistance ratings
- Sensors explained
- Apple smartwatches
- All models
Last verified September 26, 2026
Features change with updates. Check the maker's current details. See our methodology