Apple Watch SE
Apple · Smartwatch · Current model: Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS + Cellular) · Prices from Apple (Oct 2026) · check below for today’s
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~$299
approx. to start
Not published
monthly plan price
Pricing: Per Apple, the watch starts from $249, and a child without their own iPhone needs the pricier GPS + Cellular model, from $299. That model also needs a wireless service plan from a carrier; Apple says to contact your service provider for details, so confirm the price with your carrier. Prices change often, so confirm the current price at Apple. Checked October 2026.
- Open web browser
- Not stated by Apple
- Camera
- None listed by Apple
- Needs parent iPhone
- Yes
- Carriers
- AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Cricket Wireless, Xfinity Mobile, Boost Mobile, C Spire, Cellcom, BetterRoaming
Pros & cons
Pros
- Per Apple, parents manage Screen Time and Content & Privacy Restrictions from their own iPhone
- Find My location with arrival and departure alerts, per Apple
- Schooltime mode silences non-emergency distractions on a schedule, per Apple
- Emergency SOS connects your child to emergency services, per Apple
Cons
- Requires the parent to have an iPhone, per Apple; there is no Android support
- Per Apple, standalone use needs the GPS + Cellular model plus a carrier's wireless service plan
Setup & lockdown guide
Per Apple, you manage restrictions with Screen Time on your own iPhone; make sure Ask to Browse is on so the watch shows approved websites only. Apple says Siri can also get information from the web, and a child without their own iPhone needs the GPS + Cellular model and a carrier line.
How to talk to your child
Tell your child: 'This is your watch. I set it up from my iPhone, and Schooltime quiets it on a schedule.'
Want the rules in writing? Print a family agreement to sign together.
Common questions about Apple Watch SE
Does Apple Watch SE need a parent's iPhone?
Yes. Apple Watch SE needs a parent's iPhone to set up. Per Apple, Apple Watch is only compatible with iPhone.
Does Apple Watch SE have a camera?
Apple lists no camera on Apple Watch SE; its pages don't mention one.
Can Apple Watch SE call 911?
Yes. Per Apple, Emergency SOS requires a satellite connection, cellular connection, or Wi-Fi calling with an internet connection.
What cell service does Apple Watch SE use?
Apple Watch SE: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Cricket Wireless, Xfinity Mobile, Boost Mobile, C Spire, Cellcom, BetterRoaming.
How much does Apple Watch SE cost?
For the current model, Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS + Cellular): Per Apple, the watch starts from $249, and a child without their own iPhone needs the pricier GPS + Cellular model, from $299. That model also needs a wireless service plan from a carrier; Apple says to contact your service provider for details, so confirm the price with your carrier. Checked October 2026.
Verified from official sources
Apple, official Family Setup guide
Apple's documentation shows how a parent sets up the watch with their own iPhone and manages Screen Time, contacts, and Content & Privacy Restrictions from it.
Read the source