Watch · Apple Silicon · 2020
Apple Watch SE (1st generation)
Apple’s value Watch: the big Series 4/5 screen, fall detection and fitness tracking at a much lower price, by leaving off the always-on display, ECG and blood-oxygen sensors.
First budget Apple Watch: Series 5 essentials minus the always-on screen and ECG.
Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)
Apple Watch SE (1st generation): key facts
When was the Apple Watch SE (1st generation) released?
The Apple Watch SE (1st generation) arrived on September 18, 2020. Apple discontinued it in September 2022.
How much did the Apple Watch SE (1st generation) cost?
The Apple Watch SE (1st generation) launched at $279 in 2020, about $338 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Apple S5 (64-bit dual-core) at 1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, 1.78" LTPO OLED, 448×368 display.
Why does the Apple Watch SE (1st generation) matter?
First budget Apple Watch: Series 5 essentials minus the always-on screen and ECG.
Full specifications
| CPU | Apple S5 (64-bit dual-core) · 1 GHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 2 |
| Memory (RAM) | 1 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Display | 1.78" LTPO OLED, 448×368 |
| GPU | Integrated |
| Ports | Magnetic inductive charging |
| Weight | ~36 g |
| Dimensions | 40 mm or 44 mm case |
| Operating system | watchOS 7 |
| Released | September 18, 2020 |
| Discontinued | September 2022 |
| Launch price | $279 |
How the Apple Watch SE (1st generation) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 16× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 1 GHz, the clock is roughly 3.2× slower than a single performance core of a 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, and that is before counting cores, width and IPC.
This held about 8,190 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $279 in 2020, about $338 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Did you know?
It quickly became the recommended pick for kids and first-time buyers.
Related Watch models
Open the Apple Watch SE (1st generation) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11