Apple Announces A New Apple Watch SE

A new Apple Watch SE was introduced at the Apple event. The new smartwatch is an improvement over the first SE and is the second iteration of the brand’s entry-level, cellular-capable device. Powered by watchOS 9, the new Apple Watch SE features more customizable watch faces, an enhanced Workout app, and more.

With the new S8 chip, which is the same as in the Series 8, the Apple Watch SE will be up to 20% faster than the first-generation model while supporting the crash detection feature revealed for the Apple Watch Series 8. The redesigned SE watch has new colour-matched back covers and is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes in silver, midnight, and starlight. For the 44mm models GPS will cost $279, and for cellular, $329.

According to Apple, the crash detection feature is only activated while the user is in vehicular motion. The two new motion sensors—an upgraded gyroscope and a new accelerometer—can identify the moment of impact and can immediately alert the user’s emergency contacts as well as emergency services.

By connecting with an iPhone’s roaming plan, the brand-new Apple Watch SE also enables foreign roaming. The Retina OLED display, optical heart rate sensor, fall detection, emergency SOS, sleep monitoring, and 50-meter water resistance of the original SE are all still intact and available in the new version.

The cellular version of the new SE is ideal for parents who want a means of frequently communicating with their school-aged kids without actually committing to an iPhone. Apple recently revealed that the new SE will be compatible with the Family Setup feature, the first of its kind with the SE. Utilizing a parent’s or caregiver’s iPhone, users can configure the Apple Watch SE. However, the device can act on its own.  Apple’s Watch Series 3 did not have the capability. Additionally, the new SE’s screen is 30% bigger compared to that of the Series 3 (the same size as the first-gen SE). Henceforth, the SE has now taken the entry-level position for the Apple Watch model as Apple confirms retiring the Series 3.

Since its release two years ago, the Apple Watch SE line has been an excellent option for users who desire an affordable wearable that can be linked with their iPhone. By buying the SE wearable users have given up a few high-end features that come along with the premium versions, such as the new temperature sensor and the always-on display while saving some cash.

The new Apple watch SE will be $30 less expensive than the original SE at $249 for the GPS model and $299 for the cellular model. Pre-orders for the Apple Watch SE are being accepted now until September 16th.