Apple has explained why watchOS 27 drops support for several older Apple Watch models, including the Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, Apple Watch SE 2, and the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra.
TechRadar reported that Cait Dooley, Apple Watch and Health Product Marketing Manager, said Apple decided to protect performance and deliver the best possible software experience across supported models.
Supported Apple Watch Models
watchOS 27 will work with these Apple Watch models:
- Apple Watch SE 3
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
The update brings Siri AI to Apple Watch through a dedicated Siri app, along with a new tap gesture, a dynamic app grid, Workout Buddy improvements, and other changes.
Apple says the new Siri AI features and tap gesture need the processing power found in Apple Watch Series 9 and later, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, and Apple Watch SE 3.
Older Apple Watch models will still pair with iPhones running the latest iOS version, and Apple says those devices will continue to receive security updates.
watchOS 27 is now available for developer beta testing, while the public beta will arrive in July before the full release in the fall.
