Watch · Apple Silicon · 2022
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
The value Watch got the current-gen S8 brain and crash detection while dropping to $249, comfortably the best-value way onto the wrist.
Cheapest Apple Watch with the modern S8 chip and crash detection.
Apple Watch Series 9 (2023)
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation): key facts
When was the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) released?
The Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) arrived on September 16, 2022.
How much did the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) cost?
The Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) launched at $249 in 2022, about $266 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Apple S8 (64-bit dual-core) at 1.80 GHz, 1 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, 1.78" LTPO OLED, 448×368 display.
Why does the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) matter?
Cheapest Apple Watch with the modern S8 chip and crash detection.
Full specifications
| CPU | Apple S8 (64-bit dual-core) · 1.80 GHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 2 |
| Memory (RAM) | 1 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Display | 1.78" LTPO OLED, 448×368 |
| GPU | Integrated |
| Ports | Magnetic charging |
| Weight | ~33 g |
| Dimensions | 40 mm or 44 mm case |
| Operating system | watchOS 9 |
| Released | September 16, 2022 |
| Discontinued | — |
| Launch price | $249 |
How the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 16× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 1.80 GHz, the clock is roughly 1.8× 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 $249 in 2022, about $266 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?
Its back is now colour-matched nylon composite rather than ceramic, saving cost and weight.
Related Watch models
Open the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11