You’re looking at your wrist, or maybe a listing on eBay, and you’re trying to figure out which "SE" is which. It's confusing. Honestly, Apple didn't make it easy by keeping the design almost identical for half a decade. Most people think "Apple Watch SE year" refers to a single, static budget watch, but we’re actually looking at three distinct generations released over a span of five years.
If you buy the wrong one, you’re stuck with a slow processor or, worse, a watch that won't get the latest watchOS 26 updates.
The Timeline: When Each SE Actually Dropped
Let’s get the dates straight because "new" is a relative term in tech.
The first Apple Watch SE arrived in September 2020. It was basically a Frankenstein’s monster of the Series 4 and Series 5. It had the Series 4 design but lacked the Always-On display.
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Then came the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen in September 2022. If you look at it from the front, you can’t tell it apart from the original. The real change was under the hood with the S8 chip and a new "nylon composite" back case that matched the frame color.
Fast forward to the most recent release: the Apple Watch SE 3rd Gen, which hit shelves in September 2025. This was the first time in three years that Apple actually bothered to change the display tech.
Why the 2025 Model Changed the Game
For years, the SE was the "hand-me-down" model. But the SE 3 (2025) finally added the Always-On Retina display. You no longer have to do that awkward, exaggerated wrist-flick just to see if you're late for a meeting.
It also brought 5G cellular capabilities to the budget line. If you’re a runner who leaves their phone at home, that's a massive jump in reliability for streaming Apple Music or taking a call mid-trail.
Identifying Your Watch by the Back Case
If you’re staring at a watch and can’t tell if it’s from 2020 or 2022, flip it over. This is the easiest "pro" tip for identifying the year.
The 2020 original has a ceramic and sapphire crystal back that’s usually a dark, glossy circle regardless of the watch color. The 2022 and 2025 models use a color-matched plastic (nylon composite) back. If the back of the watch is the exact same shade of Starlight or Midnight as the sides, it’s a 2nd Gen or 3rd Gen.
Another giveaway? The 2025 model has much thinner bezels. It finally adopted the larger screen real estate we first saw on the Series 7.
Performance: S5 vs S8 vs S10
Does the year really matter for speed? Kinda.
- 2020 (S5 Chip): It's starting to lag. In 2026, opening the Home app or even just starting a workout can feel sluggish.
- 2022 (S8 Chip): This is the "sweet spot" for many. It’s snappy enough for most people and supports Crash Detection.
- 2025 (S10 Chip): This is a beast. It supports Apple Intelligence (AI) features, which the older ones simply can't handle. We're talking on-device Siri processing that actually works without a spinning wheel of death.
The "Apple Watch For Your Kids" Factor
Apple has leaned hard into "Family Setup" over the last couple of years. Because the SE is the cheapest way to get a kid on the grid without a phone, the year you buy dictates how long that watch will stay "alive" for them.
The original 2020 SE has already been dropped from the latest software support cycles. If you’re buying a used one for a child today, you're essentially buying a ticking clock. The 2022 model is the bare minimum you should consider right now, but the 2025 model is the only one guaranteed to receive updates through the end of the decade.
Battery Life and Charging Reality
Apple claims "all-day battery" (18 hours) for every single SE model regardless of the year. Real talk? That's a conservative estimate.
Most users get about 24 to 30 hours on a single charge if they aren't using the GPS for a marathon. However, the 2025 model (SE 3) introduced Fast Charging. This is the first time the SE line can go from 0% to 80% in about 45 minutes. If you’re a sleep tracker, the 2025 model is significantly better because you can top it off while you’re in the shower.
Is it Worth Upgrading in 2026?
If you have the 2020 model, yes. It's time. The battery health is likely hovering around 80%, and it feels like an antique compared to the new watchOS interface.
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If you have the 2022 model, it’s a toss-up. You’re missing out on the Always-On display and the newer AI features, but for basic heart rate tracking and notifications, it still holds its own.
The Apple Watch SE year you choose ultimately comes down to whether you care about the screen always being visible. For many, that one feature is worth the extra $100 for the 3rd Gen.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your current model: Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to General > About, and tap on the Model number to see the "A" code.
- A2351/A2352: You have the 2020 1st Gen. Consider trading it in while it still has value.
- A2722/A2723: You have the 2022 2nd Gen. You’re good for another year or two unless you want that Always-On screen.
- Compare prices: If you’re buying new, don’t pay more than $249 for the SE 3. If a retailer is selling the "SE" for $199, check the box—it’s likely the 2022 model they're trying to clear out.