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CUPERTINO - Apple (AAPL), the world’s most valuable technology company with a market capitalization of $3.52 trillion, unveiled the third generation of its Apple Watch SE on Tuesday, adding advanced health capabilities, an Always-On display, and fast charging to its entry-level smartwatch line. According to InvestingPro data, Apple maintains a strong financial health score, positioning it well to continue innovating in the competitive hardware market.
The Apple Watch SE 3, powered by Apple’s S10 chip, now includes health features previously available only in higher-end models, such as sleep score, retrospective ovulation estimates, sleep apnea notifications, and wrist temperature sensing. This expansion of features comes as Apple continues to demonstrate solid revenue growth of 5.97% over the last twelve months, with analysts on InvestingPro maintaining a positive outlook for the company’s future earnings.
The new model introduces an Always-On display, allowing users to view information without raising their wrist, and features a cover glass that Apple claims is four times more resistant to cracks than the previous generation. Despite the display upgrade, the company states the watch maintains an 18-hour battery life.
Fast charging capabilities have been added, with Apple reporting that a 15-minute charge provides up to eight hours of use, and a 45-minute charge reaches approximately 80 percent battery capacity.
The SE 3 also supports 5G cellular connectivity, which Apple says provides better performance and faster downloads while using less battery power than previous cellular models.
Available in 40mm and 44mm sizes with midnight and starlight aluminum case options, the Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249. Pre-orders begin today with availability beginning September 19 in the United States and more than 50 other countries.
The new watch will run watchOS 26, which introduces a refreshed interface with what Apple calls "Liquid Glass" design elements, new watch faces, and Workout Buddy, a feature powered by Apple Intelligence that provides personalized workout motivation.
Apple states that the Apple Watch SE 3 is manufactured with 40 percent recycled content, including 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery and 100 percent recycled aluminum in the case, as part of the company’s carbon neutrality goals.
According to the press release, the new model continues to support Apple Watch For Your Kids, allowing parents to set up the watch for children who don’t have their own iPhone. With 20 analysts recently revising their earnings estimates upward and a consensus recommendation of 2.0 (Buy), InvestingPro subscribers can access detailed analysis of Apple’s market position and growth potential through comprehensive Pro Research Reports, available for over 1,400 top US stocks.
In other recent news, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Ultra 3, featuring satellite communication capabilities and enhanced health monitoring functions. These advancements include Emergency SOS via satellite, allowing users to communicate with emergency services and contacts when off the grid, with a two-year free service upon purchase. Meanwhile, Evercore ISI reiterated its Outperform rating for Apple, maintaining a $250.00 price target following a favorable ruling in the Department of Justice case against Google. This decision allows Apple to continue receiving traffic acquisition cost payments from Google and other search providers.
UBS maintained its Neutral rating and $220.00 price target on Apple ahead of the company’s "Awe Dropping" event, where the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be showcased. Jefferies raised its price target for Apple to $205.82, citing factors such as tariff relief and anticipated AI-driven Siri services. HSBC also reiterated a Hold rating with a $220.00 price target before the iPhone 17 launch. The new iPhone lineup is expected to include a slim "Air" version, replacing the previous Plus model.
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