Apple Watch SE 3: specs, who it fits and compatible phones
Apple Watch SE 3 is a smartwatch released in 2025 that works with iPhone. It lists Standard GPS, 5ATM and Apple Pay.
Specifications
| Release year | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Case size | 40 / 44 mm |
| Display | OLED, Always-On |
| Brightness | 1000 nits (approx.) |
| Battery as listed | Up to 18 hours |
| Water rating | 5ATM |
| Glass | Hardened Ion-X (4x more crack-resistant) |
| Case material | Aluminum |
| GPS type | Standard GPS |
| Operating system | watchOS 26+ |
| Works with | iPhone |
| Connection | eSIM · 5G |
| Contactless wallet | Apple Pay |
| Plan needed | None |
| Health sensors | HRV, Skin temperature, Sleep apnea |
| Safety features | SOS, Fall detection |
Who it fits
- Works with iPhone.
- Lists SOS or fall detection, see our guide for older adults.
- Lists an exact water rating of 5ATM or higher.
How it compares
Closest models from Apple
| Model | Release year | Case size | Battery as listed | Water rating | GPS type | Works with |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Series 9 | 2023 | 41 / 45 mm | Up to 18 hours (36 hours in low power mode) | IP6X | Standard GPS | iOS only |
| Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) | 2022 | 40 / 44 mm | Up to 18 hours | Not listed | Standard GPS | iOS only |
Compared with Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch SE 3 lists a newer release year (2025 against 2024), Aluminum case material, where Apple Watch Series 10 lists Aluminum / titanium and case sizes of 40 / 44 mm against 42 / 46 mm.
Compared with Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE 3 lists a newer release year (2025 against 2023), Aluminum case material, where Apple Watch Series 9 lists Aluminum / stainless steel and case sizes of 40 / 44 mm against 41 / 45 mm.
Compared with Apple Watch SE (2nd gen), Apple Watch SE 3 lists a newer release year (2025 against 2022).
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