Apple Watch SE 3 disappears from store ahead of expected Ultra 4 and Series 12 debut
Apple Watch SE 3 is unavailable on Apple’s website in all configurations one day before the expected debut of Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12, hinting at a possible new SE.
Reporting on the upcoming watches has come from several sources. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says both new models will receive “a long-awaited bump in chips and speed,” suggesting a shift from the S10 to a more powerful S11 chip. That would arrive as watchOS 27 brings Siri AI features. Separately, Digitimes has claimed the Apple Watch Ultra 4 will get a “major redesign” and roughly double its number of sensors. Gurman has pushed back on the redesign claim, saying major visual changes are not expected until at least next year, but he does expect Apple to bring back a ceramic case option for this year’s models.
New sensing hardware may tie into health features. Bloomberg has reported that Apple may include a new always-on heart rate sensor in the latest Watches. In addition, after launching hypertension notifications in watchOS 26 last year, the FDA is reportedly reviewing a new feature related to high blood pressure. It could be announced alongside the Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12.
The disappearance of the Apple Watch SE 3 from Apple’s online store was spotted by MacRumors. Configuring any version of the SE 3, whether for delivery or in-store pickup, leads to a “Currently Unavailable” message. Apple rarely stops selling an existing product right before its replacement is announced. However, there have been no rumors pointing to an Apple Watch SE 4; expectations for Wednesday have centered on Series 12 and Ultra 4. The shortage may simply be a website bug, or it could signal an unexpected SE refresh.
For shoppers weighing a new model, the difference between GPS and GPS + Cellular could matter. Engadget notes that cellular-capable Apple Watches can send messages, answer calls and stream music without an iPhone nearby, making them useful for people who want to leave their phones behind. The trade-offs are higher cost — about $100 more for standard Apple Watch models — and faster battery drain when the cellular connection is used. Titanium and Ultra models include cellular as standard.