Apple Watch SE: Release date, price, and everything else

For the first time in the history of Apple Watch, Cupertino has revealed two new wearable devices at the same time. Besides the new flagship, the Apple Watch Series 6, the company has introduced a less expensive Apple Watch SE. It starts at just $279.

The short list

• Release date: September 18, which is when the Apple Watch Series 6 arrives. You can preorder now.
• Included: Features from the Apple Watch Series 5 have been carried over, but it lacks some of the features from the new Series 6.
• Price: Apple Watch SE (GPS) starts at $279, and Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) starts at $329.

What makes it unique

The Apple Watch SE is unique in that it offers many of the same features as the Apple Watch Series 6 (but not all of them), at a lower price. So as a comparison, you need to look at what's here and not:

No Always-On Display

The cheaper model doesn't include an always-on display like the Apple Watch Series 6. And yet, it's Retina display is 30% larger than Series 3.

No ECG app, no Blood Oxygen app

Two of the hottest health-based apps aren't offered here as well. And yet, the Apple Watch SE still provides high and low heart rate notifications, irregular heart rhythm notifications, emergency SOS, and fall detection. It also includes a compass and always-on altimeter

Other similarities and differences

The Apple Watch SE is also water-resistant and swim-proof up to 50m, supports Family Setup (with cellular models only), and offers a second-generation speaker and mic. It comes with a dual-core S5 SiP.

Same sizes

The Apple Watch SE comes in 40mm and 44mm like the Apple Watch Series 6. The smaller model's face has a 759 sq mm display area, while the large one includes a 977 sq mm display area.

What colors for the Apple Watch SE?

The new Watch will only be available in aluminum in silver, space gray, and gold.

How much do I have to pay for one of these

You can get the Apple Watch SE GPS starting at $279. The Apple Watch SE GPS + Cellular starts at $329.

When, where, how (do I get one)?

Apple Watch SE (GPS) is available to order beginning today, September 15, from apple.com and in the Apple Store app, with availability beginning Friday, September 18, in the US, Puerto Rico, and 27 other countries and regions.

Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) is available to order today, September 21, from apple.com and in the Apple Store app, with availability beginning Friday, September 18, in the US, Puerto Rico, and 21 other countries and regions.

Any questions?

We're updating this FAQ as the news comes in, so keep it bookmarked and come back often for more information. Do you have any questions about Apple SE that we haven't answered yet? Put them in the comments, and we'll find out for you.