Apple Watch SE 3: Essential Features For A Compelling Upgrade

According to the latest report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), Apple Watch Ultra models outsell the affordable Apple Watch SE. Despite a premium price tag and niche market, the Apple Watch Ultra manages to reap more sales than the SE. I feel one of the possible reasons for poor Apple Watch SE sales is the lack of features.

The Cupertino tech giant didn’t add enough features to justify the upgrade. There’s not a huge price difference between the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE. By spending an extra $120, a user can enjoy a better display and advanced health-tracking features which aren’t available in the SE.

A new report from Mark Gurman suggests that Apple will launch the Apple Watch SE 3 with a plastic shell to cut down the production costs and put the retail price somewhere around $200. The lower-cost plastic material allows for a richer gamut of color selection and gives Apple the liberty to onboard additional features if they wish to. In this article, I’ve penned down five features Apple Watch SE 3 should have to be a substantial upgrade. Let’s move along!

Always-On Display: A Must-Have Feature

While the Apple Watch SE is affordable and versatile, there’s a major missing feature—a proper Always-On Display. Currently, when the Apple Watch SE screen is inactive, it shows a blank black screen. This limits functionality and can be frustrating, especially when trying to check the time quickly. I find it annoying to have to touch the screen or raise my wrist just to see the time.

Having an Always-On Display would make the watch feel more modern and appealing. Apple has offered this feature since the Apple Watch Series 5 in 2019, so it’s high time for Apple to include it in the upcoming Apple Watch SE model.

A QWERTY Keyboard for Enhanced Usability

The Apple Watch SE display is suitable for reading notifications, but it lacks the larger display found on models like the Apple Watch Series 9 or Series 8. This can be a downside for users who would appreciate an on-screen QWERTY keyboard. The current model allows users to scribble or use Dictation, but a full QWERTY keyboard would offer much more flexibility when responding to texts.

Having a QWERTY keyboard would allow users to reply quickly without needing their iPhone. Other brands, like Samsung with their Galaxy Watch 5, already offer this feature, so it would be great for Apple to catch up and incorporate a digital keyboard into the SE line.

Introducing the Double-Tap Feature

Last year, Apple introduced a new gesture-based feature called “Double Tap” with the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. This allows users to control various functions of their watch simply by pinching their thumb and index finger together. It’s a convenient way to trigger actions like taking a photo or hanging up calls.

While some limited versions of the Double-Tap feature exist on the Apple Watch SE 2, the functionality is not as extensive. Users can only utilize it when prompted, which is not as convenient as the seamless experience available on the higher-end models. I hope Apple introduces native double-tap functionality in the upcoming SE 3.

Advanced Health Tracking Features

One major disappointment with the Apple Watch SE models is their lack of advanced health monitoring features. While the SE 2 can track workouts and has a heart rate sensor, it falls short in comparison to other models that include sensors for ECG, blood oxygen levels, and temperature readings. These features provide valuable insights into health and well-being.

Health monitoring is important for many users who want to keep track of their respiratory and cardiac health. As Apple plans to switch to plastic shells to reduce costs, adding these advanced health tracking features could make the Apple Watch SE 3 a more compelling option for health-conscious consumers.

The Need for Fast Charging Support

Lastly, fast charging support is another feature I hope to see on the upcoming Apple Watch SE 3. Since the introduction of fast charging in the Apple Watch Series 7, every model has supported this feature—except the SE versions. A common complaint among users is the battery life of most Apple Watches, which often requires nightly charging.

Fast charging would allow users to spend more time wearing their smartwatch instead of waiting for it to charge. It's a feature that enhances the overall user experience and is increasingly becoming a necessity.

In summary, these are the five essential features that I believe Apple must add to the upcoming Apple Watch SE 3. Currently, the SE 2 feels like a basic smartwatch rather than a serious fitness tracker. I hope Apple takes steps to modernize the SE 3 and focus on health-centric features, or they may face disappointing sales similar to those experienced by the SE 2.

What features do you wish to see in the Apple Watch SE 3? Don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments below!