Apple Watch SE 3 Could Get New Display Sizes

Apple is working on an updated version of the low-cost Apple Watch SE, and the displays for the new model have entered production, according to display analyst Ross Young.

new apple watch se blue
Young says that the new Apple Watch SE 3 will be available with 1.6-inch and 1.8-inch display sizes, which suggests little in the way of an upgrade over the current Apple Watch SE models. The Apple Watch SE 2 comes in 40mm and 44mm size options, and Apple could stick with those sizes for the next-generation models.

The Apple Watch SE has historically been based on an existing Apple Watch model, and the current version is based on the Apple Watch Series 6. Apple could continue with another model based on the Series 6 design, but there are other options. The display sizes could be off somewhat due to rounding issues and Apple could be planning for a larger Series 7 design with 41mm and 45mm sizes, or the new Apple Watch SE could get an entirely new design.

There were rumors that Apple was working on an Apple Watch SE with a hard plastic casing in a variety of fun colors, though it's not clear if Apple followed through with that design plan. If Apple did opt for an SE design that does not follow existing Apple Watch models, it's possible that the Apple Watch SE could have 1.6 and 1.8-inch displays in a smaller, slimmed down chassis that's closer to 38mm and 42mm size options. In this scenario, the next Apple Watch SE would be smaller than the current Apple Watch SE, but with a larger display area and slimmer bezels for a more modern look.

Apple has been marketing the Apple Watch SE as a low-cost option for children, so a smaller ‌Apple Watch SE 3‌ seems plausible as it would better fit smaller wrists.

We'll learn more about the Apple Watch SE as its launch approaches. We're expecting the new device to come out in September alongside upgraded Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 models.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch SE 3
Related Forum: Apple Watch

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Coming Soon With These 8 New Features on Your iPhone

Thursday December 11, 2025 8:49 am PST by
Apple seeded the second iOS 26.2 Release Candidate to developers earlier this week, meaning the update will be released to the general public very soon. Apple confirmed iOS 26.2 would be released in December, but it did not provide a specific date. We expect the update to be released by early next week. iOS 26.2 includes a handful of new features and changes on the iPhone, such as a new...
iOS 26

iOS 26.4 and iOS 27 Features Revealed in New Leak

Friday December 12, 2025 10:56 am PST by
Macworld's Filipe Espósito today revealed a handful of features that Apple is allegedly planning for iOS 26.4, iOS 27, and even iOS 28. The report said the features are referenced within the code for a leaked internal build of iOS 26 that is not meant to be seen by the public. However, it appears that Espósito and/or his sources managed to gain access to it, providing us with a sneak peek...
iOS 26

Apple Releases iOS 26.2 With Alarms for Reminders, Lock Screen Changes, Enhanced Safety Alerts and More

Friday December 12, 2025 10:10 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.2, the second major update to the iOS 26 operating system that came out in September, iOS 26.2 comes a little over a month after iOS 26.1 launched. ‌iOS 26‌.2 is compatible with the ‌iPhone‌ 11 series and later, as well as the second-generation ‌iPhone‌ SE. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones over-the-air by going to Settings >...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3

Thursday December 11, 2025 11:28 am PST by
Apple today released new firmware designed for the AirPods Pro 3 and the prior-generation AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 3 firmware is 8B30, up from 8B25, while the AirPods Pro 2 firmware is 8B28, up from 8B21. There's no word on what's include in the updated firmware, but the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 are getting expanded support for Live Translation in the European Union in iOS...
macOS Tahoe 26 Thumb

Apple Releases macOS Tahoe 26.2 With Edge Light

Friday December 12, 2025 10:08 am PST by
Apple today released macOS Tahoe 26.2, the second major update to the macOS Tahoe operating system that came out in September. macOS Tahoe 26.2 comes five weeks after Apple released macOS Tahoe 26.1. Mac users can download the macOS Tahoe update by using the Software Update section of System Settings. macOS Tahoe 26.2 includes Edge Light, a feature that illuminates your face with soft...
AirTag 2 Mock Feature

Apple AirTag 2: Four New Features Found in iOS 26 Code

Thursday December 11, 2025 10:31 am PST by
The AirTag 2 will include a handful of new features that will improve tracking capabilities, according to a new report from Macworld. The site says that it was able to access an internal build of iOS 26, which includes references to multiple unreleased products. Here's what's supposedly coming: An improved pairing process, though no details were provided. AirTag pairing is already...
ipados 26 1 slide over

Apple Releases iPadOS 26.2 With Multitasking Improvements

Friday December 12, 2025 10:09 am PST by
Apple today released iPadOS 26.2, the second major update to the iPadOS 26 operating system released in September. iPadOS 26.2 comes a month after iPadOS 26.1. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. iPadOS 26.2 continues with the multitasking improvements that were added with iPadOS 26.1. You can now drag and...
iphone fold text

'iPhone Fold' Arrival Expected to Cement Book-Style Era for Foldables

Friday December 12, 2025 3:55 am PST by
Foldable smartphone panel shipments are projected to jump 46% year-over-year in 2026, with Apple's entry into the market serving as the main catalyst, according to Counterpoint Research's latest Foldable-Rollable Display Shipment Tracker. "Apple is the key driver as it starts to procure panels for its first foldable iPhone," said Counterpoint's Guillaume Chansin. The research firm expects...

Top Rated Comments

ignatius345 Avatar
8 months ago

Young says that the new Apple Watch SE 3 will be available with 1.6-inch and 1.8-inch display sizes, which suggests little in the way of an upgrade over the current Apple Watch SE models. The Apple Watch SE 2 comes in 40mm and 44mm size options, and Apple could stick with those sizes for the next-generation models.
How are these inch display sizes relevant here?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleTO Avatar
8 months ago
I wonder if they'll discontinue the SE branding here as well and just have a Series 10e or 11e?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SamRyouji Avatar
8 months ago
For some people yes, the size does matter. But not for me. As long as it could satisfy me, I don't care. :P

The only thing that holds me back buying the SE is the apparent lack of Always On Display.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
8 months ago
Given that the S6 size really was introduced with the S4 and that is now vintage, it seems more plausible that the new SE will be S7/8/9 based. The more interesting question is whether or not it will get AOD.


There were rumors that Apple was working on an Apple Watch SE with a hard plastic casing in a variety of fun colors, though it's not clear if Apple followed through with that design plan ('https://www.macrumors.com/2025/03/23/plastic-apple-watch-se-in-jeopardy/').
there was a rumor, but since Apple never confirmed nor talked about it, it is not a plan, still a rumor.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cihag Avatar
8 months ago

For some people yes, the size does matter. But not for me. As long as it could satisfy me, I don't care. :p

The only thing that holds me back buying the SE is the apparent lack of Always On Display.
Yeah, same with me… For me, the SE would be perfectly fine, regardless of size, material, sensors, speed etc. As long as it has the always on display!

My old Series 5 ist getting laggy… (edit: And doesn’t support watchOS 11)
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cihag Avatar
8 months ago

The list is getting shorter of things that they could miss out without it feeling like it’s being deliberately compromised.
I mean, deliberately compromising is fine, I guess, as long as it keeps the price down…

But a smart watch without the always on display would feel so outdated!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)