Apple Watch SE: Is A Cheaper Version Of Apple's Wearable In The Works?

Apple is working on a cheaper Apple Watch version and might release it in the near future, a leaker claims.

Apple is known for selling great devices at expensive prices, but it sought to reach the masses by offering a cheaper model with the iPhone SE. This year's iPhone SE, priced starting at $399, was so successful that it led to numerous Android users jumping to iOS even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, it appears that Apple is hoping to see the same success with its wearables and is planning on selling a so-called “Apple Watch SE,” a leaker named Komiya tweeted.

Komiya, a self-professed tech analyst, claimed that the Apple Watch SE will feature an old design and will replace the current Apple Watch Series 3. It might use the same design language and chassis but could come with newer, more powerful innards.

Per the leak, there will only be one Apple Watch SE model. This will “probably” be a 42mm model that comes with an aluminum casing and 16GB of storage.

The rumored device will be powered by an S6 and W4 chip, feature a Digital Crown, and will have Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.

The tipster said the digital crown might feature haptic feedback, though this is uncertain. The leaker added that a cellular model will also offer international SOS calls.

This rumored device may arrive in March next year and could be sold for the same price as that of the Series 3 – $199, according to the leak.

While Apple might not need to create a cheaper Apple Watch due to the success of the Series 5, a more affordable model might entice more consumers to jump in and embrace watchOS for their daily lives.

Meanwhile, a recent tweet from famed leaker Jon Prosser of Frontpage Tech claimed to reveal the launch dates for the new Apple Watch, iPads and the highly anticipated iPhone 12 series soon.

According to the tech tipster, Apple could announce a new Apple Watch and iPad via a press release the week of Sept. 7. Though Prosser didn't specify which models these will be, the wearable to be unveiled is expected to be the Apple Watch Series 6.