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Apple Watch SE 3 launching later this year: These are the rumored upgrades

Apple Watch SE 3 launching later this year: These are the rumored upgrades

  • 24.03.2025 18:25
  • 9to5mac.com
  • Keywords: Apple, Apple Watch SE 3

Apple's upcoming SE 3 Watch may feature a plastic casing for lower cost, a new S11 chip, and possible health upgrades. It’s expected to launch this fall alongside other devices.

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Estimated market influence

Apple

Apple

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Apple is considering a new lower-cost Apple Watch SE 3 model with potential price reductions and design changes. The company may introduce a plastic casing to reduce costs, which could lead to a more affordable product but might also affect the perceived quality of their budget line.

Apple

Apple

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

The new Apple Watch SE 3 is rumored to have a lower price point due to material changes. If successful, this could impact Apple's market position by expanding its reach in the budget smartwatch segment but may also affect profit margins.

Apple

Apple

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

The potential introduction of a new chip and health features could enhance the product's appeal, potentially increasing sales. However, if these changes do not meet market expectations, it might lead to financial losses or reputational damage.

Context

Analysis of Apple Watch SE 3 Rumors: Business Insights and Market Implications

Overview

  • Product: Apple Watch SE 3
  • Launch Date: Expected in September 2024 alongside iPhone 17 lineup and other Apple Watch models.

Pricing and Materials

  • Rumored Price Reduction:
    • Current starting price: $249 (introduced in 2022).
    • Potential new price points: $229 or $199.
  • Material Change:
    • Rumor: Switching from aluminum casing to "rigid plastic" to reduce costs.
    • Previous cost-saving move: Replaced ceramic case backing with nylon composite in 2022.

Hardware Upgrades

  • New Chip:
    • Likely upgrade to S11 chip, improving performance and efficiency.
    • Current chip: S8 (same as flagship Apple Watch Series 8).

Health Features

  • Potential Additions:
    • New health features could include Sleep Apnea detection, ECG reader, and Blood Oxygen sensor.
    • These features are currently exclusive to higher-end models like Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra.

Competitive Landscape

  • Target Market:
    • Focus on budget-conscious consumers with lower price points.
    • Competitors: Samsung Galaxy Watches and Fitbit devices.
  • Strategic Considerations:
    • Expanding health features could attract a broader demographic, including non-flagship users.

Market Implications

  • Sales Growth:
    • Lower starting price may boost sales in price-sensitive markets.
    • Potential to increase market share in the mid-range smartwatch segment.
  • Brand Perception:
    • Risk of reduced brand premium if plastic casing fails to meet consumer expectations.

Long-Term Effects

  • Market Leadership:
    • Strengthening position as a leader in wearable technology by offering more accessible products.
    • Potential for broader adoption of health monitoring features across the product line.

Risks and Challenges

  • Execution Risk:
    • Uncertainty around whether the plastic casing will meet consumer expectations.
    • Regulatory hurdles for new health features (e.g., ECG, Blood Oxygen sensor).

This analysis highlights the potential business opportunities and challenges for Apple with the SE 3 launch, emphasizing its strategic importance in the wearable tech market.