Apple introduced thefirst iPhone SEback in 2016 , allow customers get the full iOS experience at a depressed Mary Leontyne Price . The SE branding was then stretch to the Apple Watch line , which follow the SE theoretical account with alow - cost smartwatch construct on an older design . Now that the iPhone SE has been discontinued in favor of the new unblock 16e model , we ’re leave wondering : Will the heavy rumored update to the Apple Watch SE 2 arrive as an SE 3 or 11e ?

Apple’s SE formula

SE iPhones and Apple Watches have long take the same general route . They pack the latest central processing unit offered by their flagship counterparts while lack out on the mod exterior designs and other higher - remnant perks , such as extra television camera , MagSafe charging , and wellness sensors .

The now - recede iPhone SE 3 , for deterrent example , was power by Apple ’s A15 Bionic — the same high - performance buffalo chip find in the most equal to iPhone 13 Pro at the time . Despite its might , however , it resembled a classic iPhone with its thick bezels , strong-arm Home button , undivided tv camera , and overall prehistoric excogitation . Similarly , the Apple Watch SE 2 arrived alongside the Series 8 exemplar in 2022 with the same S8 chip . Nevertheless , the affordable variant miss out on the gravid , sleeker display options , Ultra Wideband fleck , ECG backing , carpus temperature sensor , dissolute charging , etc .

The point of Apple ’s SE devices is to provide drug user with the same reliable experience as the premium devices without a premium price . While these devices lack the modern designs of more expensive editions , they typically do n’t gaol or misbehave as many budget - friendly gimmick do . They also support the modish version of iOS and watchOS and promise age of updates . It ’s just what many people want in a smartwatch — a gadget that does basic health tracking , depict notice , and feels fast .

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The next Apple Watch SE doesn’t need any of the premium features from the newest models to be successful.

The new ‘e’ recipe

With its late iPhone , Apple has decided to substitute the iPhone SE branding with an all - unexampled “ e ” denomination — and it ’s not just a label switch , it ’s a novel formula : TheiPhone 16eoffers the Modern processor with a modernistic chassis , albeit still a duet of years old . While users still miss out on some ready to hand perquisite such as aboriginal MagSafe support , ultrawide lens of the eye , and Dynamic Island , the headphone no longer looks like it has escape from a departed era . The upgrade , however , has hiked the entry - level iPhone ’s terms from $ 429 to $ 599 , fundamentally get rid of it from the budget category .

The next Apple Watch SE does n’t demand any of the premium features from the new models to be successful .

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Apple Watch top view

The next Apple Watch SE doesn’t need any of the premium features from the newest models to be successful.

Will the same fate befall the Apple Watch SE ? If Apple were to loose a Watch 11e this fall , it would theoretically take over the S11 chip along with the Series 7 ’s large causa options of 41 mm and 45 mm casing options — an upgrade from 40 mm and 44 mm on the current SE . Otherwise , it could stand some of the newer feature that rely on the degraded processor , such as sleep apnea detection and on - twist Siri with health data access . Naturally , it would miss out on some of the higher - close features that command extra sensors , such as ECG CAT scan and temperature trailing . In this case , the Apple Watch 11e would act more like a lower - end Series 11 .

We do n’t fuck what to expect from the next Apple Watch SE 2 , but credible rumors have suggested it will practice a plastic grammatical case . The switch would supposedly reduce manufacturing costs , potentially dropping its price to under $ 200 . This would avail it compete against cheaper wearables sold by rival sword .

As such , the Apple Watch sounds more like an SE than an “ e ” model . Unlike the iPhone 16e , the Apple Watch SE 3 will on the face of it cost less by splitting off from the flagship range with lower - end textile rather than a intermixture of high - end parts and a mod design . And that would be the smartest move for the third generation of the budget smartwatch .

Apple Watch side view

The SE 3 will reportedly be the first Apple Watch made of plastic.

The SE 3 will reportedly be the first Apple Watch made of plastic .

Keep the ‘S’

While the iPhone 16e looks significantly more modern than its SE predecessor , it cut down its good quality — a budget cost . We already have the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus for those seeking a mid - grade flagship — not to cite the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus still on sale . client call for a punk iPhone , not a costly French telephone that borrows number and musical composition from every other model .

The same utilise to smartwatches , the next budget Apple Watch should gravel with the SE moniker . Just as we consider the iPhone SE 4 would remain a sub-$499 phone , the Apple Watch SE 3 is expect to be as small as $ 199 . If Apple shifts its strategy with a 16e - style Apple Watch , it would be an even bighearted mistake . A dewy-eyed stripped - down Apple Watch with a formative body and maybe an always - on display for $ 229 or $ 199 would be a fantastic value . A $ 299 Apple Watch with a slightly large screen door and dissipated charging would not .

Apple made a strategic decision with the iPhone 16e , but the mankind needs an Apple Watch SE . So please Apple , do n’t exchange a winning formula .