Apple could launch cheaper Apple Watch SE
The launch of the Apple Watch Series 6 is nearly upon us, but new rumors suggest it could be joined by a cheaper Apple Watch SE.
The iPhone SE is the company’s budget alternative to the iPhone 11, and it seems the company is following suit with the Apple Watch.
Apple already offers a low-cost version in the Series 3, which enjoys the core features of the Apple Watch but with the older boxier design. The Series 3 doesn’t get features like ECG, fall detection or always-on display.
According to a leading Apple tipster the Apple Watch SE is rumoured to retain the old Series 3 design but get a boost in internals, but crucially, the same $199 price point.
And we’ve also seen eight Apple Watch models pass through the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) this week – although those likely represent two versions with corresponding 40/44mm sizes and GPS/LTE variants. So could the Apple Watch SE make up part of this certification?
Apple Watch SE
– Old design
– Replacement of Series 3
– S6 & W4 chip
– All 16GB
– Only Aluminium model
– Digital Crown with haptic feedback?
– Bluetooth 5.0
– international SOS calling (only cellular model)
– Coming next March
– Same prices as Series 3 pic.twitter.com/AV3IApxvnH
— Komiya (@komiya_kj) August 16, 2020
According to the rumor, the Apple Watch SE will use the internals predicted for the Apple Watch Series 6, with a S6 chip and W4 chip.
It will get 16GB of storage and Bluetooth 5.0.
In terms of design the rumor suggests that it will retain the old design, and aluminium casing.
It would be a blend of modern internals with scaled back design – just like the iPhone SE.
The other interesting part of the rumor, which does make us dubious, is that the Apple Watch SE won’t be released until March.
We’re unsure of whether that that means it will be announced alongside the Apple Watch Series 6 with a long due date, or that it would be a separate announcement.
The rumor scores high on plausibility, but we’re hoping there’s something more to differentiate the SE from Series 3.
Watch this space.
