Apple is likely going to introduce a new Apple Watch SE at its Awe Dropping event in just over a week. While we’ve been referring to this device as Apple Watch SE 3 for quite some time now, we’re yet to ask: will it actually be called that?
Rumor recap
Apple Watch SE 3 is going to be a light refresh. It should introduce a new S11 chipset, which will bring moderate performance gains to Apple’s cheapest Apple Watch model. Currently, the Apple Watch SE packs an S8 chip, which uses cores from the A13 Bionic chip. The S11 is expected to use the same CPU as the S9 and S10 chips, which’ll mean that it’ll use cores from the A16 Bionic chip.
Outside of the chipset, the Apple Watch SE 3 might introduce new display sizes, around 1.6-inch and 1.8-inch for the two models.
While we don’t know what this means exactly, it may elude to the fact that the Apple Watch SE will be moving away from the Apple Watch Series 4-era design language. It may look more similar to the Apple Watch Series 7. Granted, that’s just speculation, though there is precedent for it – now that Apple has introduced an even newer design language with Apple Watch Series 10.
Lastly, there have been some rumors about Apple adopting a plastic casing for its next SE watch. We haven’t heard much as of late, but if true, it would result in a lower price tag.
Is ‘SE’ branding dead?
Well, based on the fact alone that Apple has ditched the SE terminology with the iPhone lineup, I think it’s quite likely we’ll see the same happen with the Apple Watch lineup.
With the original Apple Watch SE, Apple equipped it with an older chipset compared to the higher end Apple Watch Series 6. Nowadays, though, they equip the same chipset – and thats rumored to remain the case with the Series 11.
Switching from Apple Watch SE to Apple Watch Series 11e would also fit in quite nicely with Apple switching all of their operating systems to the number 26 this year. It’s a nice time to favor naming simplicity.
It’s possible we’ll see the same happen with Apple Watch Ultra as well, though that’s less likely in my mind.
Do you think we’ll see “Apple Watch SE” branding phased out in just over a week? Let us know in the comments.
My favorite Apple accessory recommendations:
Follow Michael: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
