So, you're still rocking the original Apple Watch SE? Honestly, I get it. When it dropped back in September 2020, it was basically the "Goldilocks" of smartwatches. It had that sleek Series 4/5/6 design, a processor that didn't feel like molasses, and a price tag that didn't make your wallet scream. But it's 2026 now. Things have changed.
The tech world moves fast. Really fast.
If you’ve noticed your watch acting a bit "crunchy" lately—maybe the battery is dipping into the red by lunchtime or apps are taking forever to load—you aren't alone. We’ve hit a point where the apple watch se first gen is finally starting to show its age in ways that are hard to ignore. It’s not just about having the newest shiny toy; it’s about whether the tool on your wrist is actually helping you or just becoming another thing you have to troubleshoot.
📖 Related: Is the Amazon Fire HD 10 11th Gen Still Worth Your Money?
The Software Wall Is Real
Here is the kicker: watchOS 26 is officially here, and the first-generation SE didn't make the cut. Apple officially stopped software support for this model with watchOS 11. That means while the rest of the world is getting the new "Liquid Glass" UI and the "Workout Buddy" AI features, the original SE is stuck in time.
Being "stuck" sounds fine on paper. The watch doesn't just explode the day it stops getting updates. But security is a thing. Without those incremental patches, you’re missing out on the latest defenses against vulnerabilities. Plus, as developers update their apps for the S10 chip architecture found in the newer SE 3 and Series 11, the old S5 chip in your first-gen SE is going to struggle. It’s sort of like trying to run a modern video game on a laptop from 2015. It might boot up, but you're going to see some stuttering.
What You're Actually Missing Day-to-Day
Let’s talk about the screen. One of the biggest gripes people have with the apple watch se first gen is the lack of an Always-On display. You have to do that exaggerated wrist-flick just to see if you’re late for a meeting. In 2026, even the budget-friendly SE 3 has an Always-On Retina display. Once you use a watch that actually stays on, going back to a black slab of glass feels prehistoric.
💡 You might also like: Galaxy S8 plus S8: What Most People Get Wrong About These Icons
Then there's the health stuff.
- No ECG: You can't take an electrocardiogram to check for atrial fibrillation.
- No Blood Oxygen: Forget about tracking your SpO2 during sleep or high-altitude hikes.
- No Temperature Sensing: This means no retrospective ovulation estimates or deep dives into your "Vitals" data that the newer models offer.
- No Sleep Apnea Detection: This is the big one Apple pushed recently, and the old SE sensors just aren't precise enough to handle it.
If you just want to track your steps and get text notifications? Sure, it still does that. But if you’re trying to use your watch as a serious health monitor, the gaps are becoming craters.
The Battery Struggle is 100% Normal
If your battery feels like it's dying faster than it used to, it probably is. Lithium-ion batteries are consumables. They chemically age. Most apple watch se first gen units out there have been through hundreds, if not over a thousand, charge cycles by now.
Apple’s official stance is that the battery should hold 80% of its original capacity after 1,000 full charge cycles. If you bought yours near launch in 2020, you’ve likely crossed that line. I’ve seen plenty of forum posts lately on the Apple Support communities where users report their SE 1st gen dropping from 100% to 20% in just five or six hours. That isn't a "software bug." It's just old hardware.
Is It Worth Repairing?
Probably not.
Getting a battery replacement from Apple usually costs around $99 if you're out of warranty. When you consider that you can find a used Series 7 or even a newer SE 2 for not much more than that, sinking a hundred bucks into a watch that can't run the latest software feels like throwing good money after bad.
The Competitive Landscape in 2026
If you’re looking to upgrade, the market is actually in a great spot right now. The Apple Watch SE 3 is the obvious successor. It’s got the S10 chip—the same one in the flagship Series 11—meaning it is blazing fast. It also finally added the Always-On display and fast charging. You can get to 80% in about 45 minutes, which is a life-saver if you forgot to charge it overnight.
If you want the "pro" features without the $800 Ultra 3 price tag, the Series 11 is the sweet spot. You get the 5G cellular connectivity, hypertension alerts, and a much thinner design. But honestly? For most people, the SE 3 at $249 is the smarter buy. It's the same price the original SE launched at, but with five years of massive technical leaps baked in.
Moving Forward With Your Tech
If your apple watch se first gen is still working perfectly for you and the battery lasts the whole day, keep wearing it! There is no law saying you need the latest thing. But the second it starts failing you, don't stress about fixing it. It had a great run.
Practical Next Steps
- Check your Battery Health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health on your watch. If it's below 80%, you're going to start seeing performance throttles.
- Backup Your Data: Ensure your watch is backing up to your iPhone so your health data stays safe when you eventually switch.
- Trade-In Value: Check Apple's trade-in site. Even an old SE might get you $30–$50 toward a new one, which is better than it sitting in a junk drawer.
- Explore the SE 3: Look into the new gesture controls like "Double Tap." It’s a game-changer for when your hands are full.