Apple Watch 6 will launch alongside cheap new Apple Watch 'SE'

Apple Watch Series 3
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

It’s looking very likely that a cheap ‘Apple Watch SE’ will launch alongside the Apple Watch 6 this fall. 

We’ve already heard rumors of a cheaper Apple Watch on its way. But sources familiar with Apple’s autumnal launch plans have told Bloomberg that a budget take on the Apple Watch is coming alongside a successor to the Apple Watch Series 5.

The Apple Watch SE (as we'll call it for now) is expected to only come in an Aluminium model, and will have the new S6 and W4 chips expected in the Apple Watch 6, as well as 16GB of storage space and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. While the Apple Watch 6 is expected to use an optical sensor on its side, the Apple Watch SE is tipped to retain the Digital Crown that’s been part of the Apple Watch since its genesis. 

While the Apple Watch 6 is set to be a premium smartwatch designed to go alongside the iPhone 12 range, the Apple Watch SE is likely to be targeted as a compliment to the new iPhone SE. And it could be positioned as a smartwatch to take on fitness-centric wearables from the likes of Fitbit and Garmin

Apple appears set to release more budget-orientated devices this fall, with it also expected to reveal a smaller and cheaper HomePod that will have less speakers than the £299/$299 Apple HomePod

Bloomberg also reported that Apple will launch the iPad Air 4 this fall, with the tablet getting the edge-to-edge display design of the iPad Pro 2020. There was also mention of an Apple TV device that will come with improved gaming features and an upgraded remote control, though it's not expected to arrive until next year. 

When exactly all these devices will be launched has yet to be made clear. We’re expecting the iPhone 12 range to make its debut in September or October, with the Apple Watch 6 likely alongside it. So Apple could reveal the above devices in one major showcase or spread the announcements out across the fall. 

TOPICS
Roland Moore-Colyer

Roland Moore-Colyer a Managing Editor at Tom’s Guide with a focus on news, features and opinion articles. He often writes about gaming, phones, laptops and other bits of hardware; he’s also got an interest in cars. When not at his desk Roland can be found wandering around London, often with a look of curiosity on his face. 

Latest in Smartwatches
Apple Watch SE (2022) shown on wrist
Apple Watch SE 3 reportedly in ’serious jeopardy’ — here’s why
Apple Watch Series 10
Future Apple Watch models could get a surprising new feature — what we know
The coolest things the Apple Watch can do
A folding Apple Watch could follow the iPhone Flip — here’s what we know
Atari 2600 My Play Watch
It's not just Pebble — Atari is back with a watch that lets you play retro games on your wrist
Pebble Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 smartwatches
Pebble is back with two new smartwatches starting at $149 — how to preorder
Garmin Fenix 8 Sleep
New data reveals the average Garmin sleep score — do you sleep better or worse than most people?
Latest in News
A first look at Amazon's Fallout TV series coming to Prime Video
‘Fallout’ season 3 plans are reportedly being made — while season 2 is still filming
Surface Laptop 7 from the front
Amazon just gave Surface Laptop 7 a 'frequently returned' label — here's what's going on
New emojis with iOS 18.4 beta release.
iOS 18.4 beta brings 8 new emoji to your iPhone — here's all the new options
23andME box
23andMe has declared bankruptcy — here's how to delete your data now
half-life alyx
Latest Half-Life 3 rumors point to a 2025 release — and maybe pigs will fly
NFL Sunday Ticket logo for YouTube
NFL Sunday Ticket 2025 pricing revealed — and it's bad news