Report: Apple Watch SE Set for Upgrade With Larger Screens and Case Sizes

Apple’s affordable Watch SE lineup appears to be on the brink of a major refresh, according to a new report. The last model in the SE series was launched in 2022, following the debut of the original in 2020. Now, new information suggests that Apple is preparing to introduce larger displays and bigger case sizes for the next-generation Watch SE. This would mark one of the most notable upgrades for the budget-friendly wearable, which traditionally maintained a more compact and conservative design compared to Apple’s flagship models.

The latest update comes via analyst Ross Young, Vice President at Counterpoint Research, who shared insights into the upcoming SE model’s screen specifications. In a note reported by 9to5Mac, Young claims the next Apple Watch SE is already in production—indicating that an official launch may be just around the corner. According to the analyst, the refreshed SE models will feature 1.6-inch and 1.8-inch displays, slightly larger than the current 1.57-inch and 1.78-inch offerings. This aligns with rumors suggesting Apple may shift the SE to match the 41mm and 45mm case sizes found in previous-generation flagship models.

The current Watch SE (2022) already received a performance bump by adopting the Apple S8 SiP, the same chip used in the Series 8. That move helped close the performance gap between the SE and standard Apple Watch models, making the lower-cost model even more appealing. Now, with larger displays and potentially larger casings on the horizon, Apple seems poised to further enhance the SE’s value while maintaining a clear distinction between its budget and premium devices.

Interestingly, this display and size shift for the Watch SE appears to be part of a broader product segmentation strategy. With the Apple Watch Series 10 adopting new 42mm and 46mm sizes and pushing display boundaries—featuring even larger panels than the Watch Ultra 2—Apple may be repositioning the SE series to inherit the older flagship dimensions. This could serve to extend the lifespan of previous designs, while giving users more affordable access to larger and more immersive displays without encroaching on the top-tier lineup.

Far Cry 4 Receives Free 60FPS Upgrade on PS5 and Xbox Series Ahead of Game Pass Debut

Ubisoft has rolled out a surprise update for Far Cry 4, breathing new life into the decade-old open-world shooter with a performance boost tailored for modern consoles. Originally launched in 2014, Far Cry 4 is now optimized to run at 60 frames per second on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, enhancing the fluidity and responsiveness of gameplay across both platforms. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, the game first arrived on PC, PS4, and Xbox 360 before making its way to the current-gen lineup.

The performance upgrade comes as part of Patch 1.08, a free update quietly released and first noticed by PS5 players, who began sharing their findings online. Ubisoft later confirmed the update via an official blog post, noting the improved frame rate now available to players on newer hardware. This enhancement offers a more polished experience in Kyrat, the game’s Himalayan-inspired setting, and brings a fresh feel to a fan-favorite entry in the Far Cry series.

In the update announcement, Ubisoft highlighted how the increased frame rate heightens the intensity and immersion of the game’s iconic moments. Whether players are soaring in a wingsuit, engaging in chaotic firefights, or riding an elephant into enemy territory, the smoother visuals contribute to a more cinematic and dynamic experience. It’s a significant quality-of-life improvement for players revisiting the title or discovering it for the first time.

The timing of the update is especially notable, as it comes just ahead of Far Cry 4’s upcoming debut on Xbox Game Pass. By ensuring the game runs at its best on current hardware, Ubisoft is not only rewarding longtime fans but also preparing for a new wave of players who will soon have access to the game through Microsoft’s subscription service. This move suggests a broader strategy of reinvigorating legacy titles for today’s performance standards.

Nothing Phone 3a Series Gains Privacy Space and 4K Telephoto Recording in Latest Update

Nothing has begun rolling out a significant software update for its recently launched Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro smartphones in India. Originally introduced in March, the midrange series runs on Android 15 with the company’s custom NothingOS 3.1 skin. These devices are backed by a long-term support plan that includes three years of Android updates and six years of security patches. The latest update brings several feature enhancements, headlined by the new Privacy Space and 4K video recording support on the telephoto and periscope cameras.

The update was announced through a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the new capabilities that users can now enjoy. Among the most notable is the ability to record 4K videos at 30fps using the phones’ telephoto lenses. On the standard Nothing Phone 3a, switching to 2x zoom activates the telephoto camera, while on the 3a Pro, using 3x zoom automatically enables the periscope lens. This improvement significantly boosts the camera’s versatility, especially for users interested in capturing high-resolution zoom footage.

In addition to 4K telephoto recording, the update enhances overall camera performance. Users can expect reduced flicker in slo-mo and zoom videos, brighter low-light images when using the telephoto lens, and clearer night shots even under artificial lighting such as street lamps. There’s also support for filters on 50MP photos, and selfie quality has been upgraded with more natural skin tones and improved color accuracy. These refinements aim to make the photography experience more polished and professional across the board.

Beyond camera features, the update introduces a new Privacy Space, designed to keep sensitive apps and data secure. Accessible by swiping right in the app drawer, this feature works alongside the App Locker but can be unlocked using a separate password, offering an extra layer of protection. The Hotspot Manager is another new addition, allowing users to view and manage connected devices. Coupled with a smoother Nothing X app UI, support for CMF Buds 2, and various bug fixes, this update delivers both practical and performance-driven enhancements to the Phone 3a series.