watchOS 27 trims the Apple Watch lineup to boost performance on newer models

TL;DR
watchOS 27 drops support for Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, the second-generation Apple Watch SE, and the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, limiting compatibility to SE (3rd gen), Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3. Apple says the changes prioritize power and performance to ensure a better experience on newer hardware, while older watches can still pair with the latest iPhones and receive security updates. The update also introduces Siri AI with a dedicated app, a dynamic app grid, and improvements to Workout Buddy; developer beta is available now, with a public beta in July and a fall-wide release.
- watchOS 27 drops support for five Apple Watch models, here’s why 9to5Mac
- 'It’s the most convenient way to interact with Siri': I asked Apple's senior watchOS team how to use the new Siri AI assistant on an Apple Watch, and why it's not coming to so many older models TechRadar
- Apple Explains Why watchOS 27 Drops Support for So Many Models MacRumors
- Apple Is Leaving Its First Apple Watch Ultra in the Dust Gizmodo
- Apple is ending support for 16 devices — here’s the ChatGPT prompt that tells you what to do next Tom's Guide
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