A deeper speculation into Apple Watch SE 3rd generation’s display size.
Juli Clover from MacRumors:
Apple is working on an updated version of the low-cost Apple Watch SE, and the displays for the new model have entered production, according to display analyst Ross Young.
Young says that the new Apple Watch SE 3 will be available with 1.6-inch and 1.8-inch display sizes, which suggests little in the way of an upgrade over the current Apple Watch SE models. The Apple Watch SE 2 comes in 40mm and 44mm size options, and Apple could stick with those sizes for the next-generation models.
The Apple Watch SE has historically been based on an existing Apple Watch model, and the current version is based on the Apple Watch Series 6. Apple could continue with another model based on the Series 6 design, but there are other options. The display sizes could be off somewhat due to rounding issues and Apple could be planning for a larger Series 7 design with 41mm and 45mm sizes, or the new Apple Watch SE could get an entirely new design.
The 1.6-inch and 1.8-inch estimates are perfect numbers for speculation because it means the display could be either the size of the Series 7-9 or the Series 10 and technically you can’t be wrong.
I measured my 41mm Series 9 display which is the same as the Series 7 and 8, and it measured 1.56 inches diagonally. The Series 10 is just a hair bigger, and would probably be right at 1.6 inches diagonally. I have the smaller sized watch, and the bigger one would be around 1.8 inches like the rumors are suggesting.
When the original SE was released, it came with the same screen size as the Series 6 at the time. My guess is the SE 3rd gen will come with the same display size as the Series 10 and 11, minus the always-on feature just like the first SE.
Apple Watch Series 7 thru 9 displays never had a version without always-on capabilities, so it makes more sense to just use a Series 10 display without those features included. A series 10 display would also mean the newly updated body style that is all aluminum even in back.
Should make for a more streamlined manufacturing process for the SE 3 and Series 11 with their similar displays and body styles.