Apple Watch Series 11 and SE 3 Preorders: What’s New This Year

Apple announced a slew of new devices on September 9, including a new Apple Watch Series 11 and a new Apple Watch SE. The new wearables boast more robust health tracking than ever, additional workout features, and more, enticing shoppers to reserve a watch now. I’ve broken down how to preorder the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE below to help you get started.

Although it’s not available until September 19, the latest Apple Watches can be preordered now directly from the Apple Store. If you have an old Apple Watch or smartphone, you can even trade it in to save on a new one.

Keep scrolling for all the details on securing a new Apple Watch, including where to preorder and how much old devices can be worth as trade-ins. If you’re after the fitness-feature-rich model, be sure to take a look at our guide to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 preorders.

Apple Watch Series 11 preorders

Shortly after the announcement, the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3 both opened for preorder online.

Apple Watch SE 3 preorders

Should you want to take the watch online when away from your phone, supported carriers include T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Boost Mobile. You must ensure that you buy the model marked as GPS+Cellular to enable this feature, and then take out a plan for the device, typically as an add-on to your mobile deal. Eligible trade-ins can also help you save hundreds on your order.

What’s new in the Apple Watch 11 and Apple Watch SE?

With every new generation, Apple introduces new features to its wearables, and this year is no different. The Series 11 doesn’t introduce many new hardware changes but includes 5G that may entice shoppers, while the SE 3 adopts many features previously locked to more expensive Apple Watches. Here’s what sets the new models apart.

Apple Watch 11

1. 5G performance: For the first time, the Apple Watch offers 5G connectivity for better connection than ever. Even in areas with poor reception, you can rely on your watch to keep you connected on calls, to online music streaming, and more.
2. Hypertension notifications: Introduced with the Series 11, newer Apple Watches can now notify you when your vitals suggest symptoms of hypertension. This isn’t exclusive to the latest generation.
3. Longer battery life: As one would expect from a new wearable, the Series 11 now boasts up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge — 6 more than its predecessor. In Low Power mode, it can last up to 38 hours.
4. Wrist flick gesture: The new wrist flick gesture makes it easier than ever to dismiss notifications and silence alarms. Now you can do so without ever using your other hand.

Apple Watch SE 3

1. 5G capability: Luckily, Apple didn’t lock its new 5G smartwatch tech to the more expensive models — the SE 3 can also make use of the more powerful connectivity that the Series 11 can.
2. Always-On Retina display: The Apple Watch SE features the brand’s Always-On display, a feature missing from the SE 2. As the title suggests, the display remains on even when the watch isn’t in use, but at a lower brightness.
3. More robust health tracking: The newest SE is now adopting some of the features previously locked to pricier models, including sleep apnea notifications, more vitals app measurements, temperature sensing, and retrospective ovulation estimates for menstruating wearers.
4. Upgrade to the S10 chip: Jumping ahead by two generations compared to its predecessor, the SE 3 will come with Apple’s latest S10 chip built in, matching the Series 11 and Ultra 3.
5. More gestures and better Siri: Finally, the SE 3 also includes a new wrist-flick gesture for easy notification dismissal, double-tap, and on-device Siri with health data access. Again, this matches the Series 11, making this budget model even more worthwhile.