| Apple Watch SE | Apple Watch Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $249★ | $799 |
| Subscription | ✓ None | ✓ None |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 26g★ | 63g |
| Water resistance | 50m | 100m★ |
| Battery | 18h | 2.1 days★ |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ✅★ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ✅ | ✅ |
| Platform | iOS only | iOS only |
| Tier | Smartwatch | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Sep 19, 2025 | Sep 18, 2026 |
| Cycle advice | neutral | good★ |
| Deals advice | good★ | neutral |
| Next model | Apple Watch SE 4 (Expected fall 2027) | — |
Access the entire watchOS app ecosystem, Apple Pay, Siri, and Family Setup — for $150 less than the Series 12.
Emergency SOS, fall detection, and Crash Detection give real safety value even without premium health sensors.
Available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED with a wide range of Apple Watch-compatible bands.
The Ultra 4 lasts roughly twice as long as the Series 12, with up to 45 hours of GPS workout tracking in Max Extended Workout mode. Satellite Emergency SOS works without cellular or WiFi coverage.
The new health sensing system samples heart rate every five seconds all day and HRV every five minutes, feeding a 0–10 readiness score.
The 49mm titanium case and 3000-nit display make this watch usable in full direct sunlight and water depths up to 100m (recreational scuba diving to 40m).
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$249 vs $799 over 3 years.
2.1 days vs 18h battery.
12 sensors · 0.2 Hz HR sampling.
26g.
iPhone users who want Apple Watch's core experience — activity tracking, notifications, crash detection, and Apple Pay — at a lower price point. Ideal for kids, teens, or anyone upgrading from a much older watch without needing the advanced health sensors.
Full details →Serious athletes, trail runners, triathletes, and outdoor adventurers who need the most durable, most accurate GPS watch Apple makes. Also for iPhone users who simply want the best Apple Watch regardless of sport, and value the extra battery life over the Series 12.
Full details →