In 2020, Apple announced two new Apple Watch models. The high-end "Apple Watch Series 6" can measure blood oxygen levels and supports an always-on display, while the more affordable "Apple Watch SE" drops those features. With these, the Apple Watch lineup now covers a wide range of needs. But there's a model that goes even cheaper than the SE — the "Apple Watch Series 3." Despite being three years old, it's still sold through the Apple Store, making it the cheapest Apple Watch you can buy, no exaggeration.
Update (February 8, 2025): The Series 3 is no longer sold, and the SE has taken over as the lowest-priced model.
I've been using the Apple Watch Series 3 since launch, so let me walk through the good and bad points I've noticed.
Release date: September 22, 2017 Price: 19,800 yen (excluding tax) ※ price at the time of writing
Good Points
Checking the time becomes effortless
If you usually pull out your iPhone just to check the time, the Apple Watch can cut down on those moments. You can also swap watch faces on the fly to match your mood or what you're doing that day, which is one of its strengths.
Reading and replying to notifications
Same as time-checking, the watch saves you from constantly reaching for the iPhone. Read a notification on the Apple Watch, and if a reply is needed, take out the iPhone. It's a small thing, but the convenience adds up.
Exercise becomes more fun
The Apple Watch comes with a "Fitness" app preinstalled that nudges you to hit three daily targets you've set: how many calories you've burned, how long you've exercised, and how long you've stood up.
The right brightness, day or night
Walking home at night down a poorly lit street, the Apple Watch automatically dims to a comfortable level so the time stays easy to read. During the day, it's the same story — even in direct sunlight, the display stays legible.
A battery that doesn't feel its age
If you've used an iPhone for around two years, you've probably had the experience of the battery degrading and draining noticeably faster. The Apple Watch is the same in principle — repeated charging cycles wear down the battery — but my Apple Watch 3, which I've used every day for three years, still doesn't feel any worse than it did on day one. It's lasting unbelievably well. Here's a record of one day's battery usage.
8:00 — Wake up 10:00 — A 2-minute call on the Watch 12:00 — A 30-minute brisk walk, timed Battery: 88% 15:00 — Battery: 80% 17:00 — A 2-minute call on the Watch Notifications start picking up around here Battery: 76% 18:00 — Battery: 70% 20:00 — A 10-minute run, timed Battery: 64% 21:00 — Battery: 56% 24:00 — Battery: 53%
By the way, when I checked "Battery Health," the maximum capacity was 99%. If that number is right, the Apple Watch 3 battery degrades very slowly — though the truth of it remains a mystery.
Even now, I haven't run into any inconvenience — the battery still feels plenty large.
Plenty of third-party bands
Apple Watch bands are easy to swap. Light silicone for everyday use, leather for business — that kind of thing is doable. The catch is that the official bands sold at the Apple Store are all on the pricey side. The cheapest band is 4,800 yen, and a leather one will run you 9,800 yen, which isn't exactly impulse-buy territory. That's where third-party bands come in. The official ones do feel great, but you can find good-looking leather options at much friendlier prices.
There are all kinds of third-party bands out there, so pick one that suits you. (Note: the Apple Watch Series 3 comes in two sizes — 38mm and 42mm.)
Bad Points
Daily charging required
Unlike an analog watch, you have to charge it every single day. Some other smartwatches have longer battery life, but the Apple Watch is the kind that needs daily charging. There are accessories like PC-monitor-style charging stands that make charging more fun, so try one if it appeals to you.
You can't glance to check the time
The always-on display is a feature on Apple Watch 5 and later. The Series 3 doesn't have it. (Neither does the SE.) You have to tap the screen or raise your wrist, which can bother some people.
Thicker and with a smaller display than current models
Starting with Apple Watch Series 4, the body got thinner and the area available for the display grew. Because of the smaller screen, more and more watch faces aren't usable on the Apple Watch Series 3.
Summary
Given its specs, the Apple Watch Series 3 will probably bow out of the Apple Store within a year or two, handing the cheapest-model crown to the SE. Still, what's impressive is that it fully supports the latest watchOS 7. If you've been curious about smartwatches but think anything over 30,000 yen is too expensive, this is the model to try. So how about giving the Apple Watch Series 3 a go? And if you end up loving it, maybe consider picking up the rumored Apple Watch Series 7 when it's announced in 2021.
