Apple has released three new smartwatch models: the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is priced at $799, positioning it for a high-end market and athletes. For general consumers, the Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249, and the Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399.
Apple Watch SE 3 Enhancements
The Apple Watch SE 3 has received several updates compared to its predecessor, the SE 2. Key enhancements include an upgrade from the S8 chip to the S10 processor. New features incorporated into the SE 3 are an always-on display, support for fast charging, improved crack resistance, and additional health functionalities. It also includes a wrist-temperature sensor designed to support advanced sleep tracking and provide retrospective ovulation insights.
Similarities Between Apple Watch Series 11 and SE 3
Both the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3 share several core features:
- Processor: Both models are equipped with the S10 chip, ensuring similar performance levels.
- Display: Both feature an always-on Retina display.
- Heart Health Features: Both provide notifications for high and low heart rates, irregular rhythms, and low cardio fitness.
- Gestures: Both support wrist flick gestures for dismissing notifications and timers, and double tap gestures for actions such as answering calls or playing music.
- Emergency Services: Both models include Emergency SOS functionality, enabling quick calls to local emergency services, location sharing, and notification of emergency contacts.
- Detection Features: Both are equipped with fall detection and crash detection, capable of automatically alerting emergency services and contacts upon detecting a hard fall or severe car crash.
- Water Resistance: Both watches are water resistant to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming.
- Sleep Tracking: Both models feature sleep tracking, sleep tracking notifications, and Apple’s Sleep score (on a scale of 1 to 100). They also include temperature sensing to track nightly changes in wrist temperature for wellness insights.
- Cycle Tracking: Both can determine probable ovulation dates from previous cycles.
- Fast Charging: Both watches are fast-charge capable. The Series 11 can reach up to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes, while the SE 3 achieves up to 80% in about 45 minutes. For both models, a 15-minute charge can provide up to eight hours of normal use.
- Find iPhone: Both include a feature to play a sound on a paired iPhone for location assistance.
Distinctions of Apple Watch Series 11
The Apple Watch Series 11 offers specific features not present in the SE 3. These include "precision finding" for the iPhone, which provides exact location pinpointing. Additionally, the Series 11 typically features more advanced health functionalities, a larger display, and extended battery life.