Looking ahead to 2025, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is set to redefine the boundaries of rugged smartwatches. However, two anticipated products were missing: the Ultra 3 and a new Apple Watch SE. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, while a new SE wasn’t revealed at the event, a third edition is in the works, with a release likely in 2025.
New Design and Colors
The upcoming Apple Watch SE is expected to undergo a design overhaul. Apple is reportedly switching from aluminum to a plastic body for this edition. This change is aimed at reducing production costs, allowing Apple to offer a lower-priced model. Currently, the Apple Watch SE (2022) starts at $250 for the 40mm version and $280 for the 44mm, with an additional $50 for the cellular upgrade. However, with competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch FE priced at $200, a further price cut may be needed to stay competitive.
The move to plastic also gives Apple the opportunity to introduce bold new color options, potentially similar to the colorful iPhone 5c models. The current SE line has limited color choices, but the new version could appeal to younger consumers with vibrant, fun designs. This shift could also attract parents looking for affordable smartwatches for their kids.
Targeting a Growing Market
As more countries consider banning smartphones in schools, Apple may find a new niche market for the Watch SE. With the rise of smart devices replacing traditional phones in educational environments, the Apple Watch SE could provide an alternative way for kids to stay connected while avoiding the distraction of a full smartphone. Apple even offers a feature that allows parents to set up a watch for their child without needing the child to own an iPhone.
This positions the new Watch SE as a great option for parents seeking connectivity and safety while respecting school policies. With features like Family Setup, parents can monitor their children’s location, receive alerts, and communicate without giving them a phone.
Chipset and Performance Boost
The third-generation SE is also expected to see a performance boost. The current SE (2022) uses the S8 chipset, the same found in the Series 8, but its hardware closely resembles the S6 chipset from 2020. Gurman suggests that the new SE could receive a more advanced chip, either the S9 or S10, depending on supply chain and pricing decisions.
Apple has been tight-lipped about the specific improvements of the S10 chipset, focusing more on AI capabilities. Whether the next SE will incorporate these features remains uncertain, but any chipset upgrade is likely to improve performance and battery efficiency.
Ultra Series Moving to a Two-Year Cycle
While no Ultra 3 was introduced, Gurman reports that Apple plans to move the Ultra series to a two-year upgrade cycle. The Ultra 2 received only minor improvements, and it appears Apple is pacing itself for a larger leap in future iterations. The next Ultra model, expected in 2025, may not bring revolutionary upgrades but will align with the SE’s slower update schedule.
Privacy and Security Features
As with all Apple devices, privacy remains a top priority for the Apple Watch SE. Apple integrates robust privacy and security measures into its watches, including the SE, to protect user data.
- Health Data Protection: All health-related data, such as heart rate, activity levels, and more, are encrypted and securely stored on the device and within Apple’s Health app. Users have full control over sharing this data with third-party apps or services.
- Location Sharing and Family Setup: For parents using the SE as a child’s first smart device, Apple provides Family Setup features that allow location tracking and safety alerts while maintaining control over what data is shared. This setup also ensures that children’s data is not shared or misused without parental consent.
- End-to-End Encryption: Communications sent through Apple’s ecosystem, such as Messages or FaceTime, are protected by end-to-end encryption. This ensures that only the intended recipient can access messages, even if they are intercepted.
- App Privacy Reports: Users can easily see how apps handle their data and which apps request access to their health, location, or other sensitive information, giving them transparency and control over their privacy settings.
Final Thoughts
Although the September event didn’t deliver on every product fans had hoped for, it set the stage for exciting developments in 2025. The third-generation Apple Watch SE is poised to be more affordable, colorful, and feature-packed, appealing to budget-conscious consumers and families. With improved privacy and security features, a focus on children’s safety, and potential chipset upgrades, the next SE could redefine Apple’s entry-level wearable market.
Also Read: Apple Launches ‘AI Features’ to Compete with Google, Microsoft