All articles tagged with #watchos27
Apple has released watchOS 27 for Apple Watch, adding Siri AI, new health features, a Siri-modular watch face, a Tap gesture for navigation, and a consolidated Find My app with a Dynamic App Grid. The update requires iOS 27 and will drop support for several older models (Ultra first-gen, Series 8/7/6, and SE 2nd gen). Installation is via the Watch app on iPhone after updating to iOS 27.
Apple is set to debut two new Apple Watch models—Ultra 4 and Series 12—featuring faster chips (likely an S11), a broader sensor array (potential hypertension notifications and an always-on heart-rate sensor), and a return of a ceramic case option. While a major redesign isn’t expected this year, improvements across performance and health features tied to watchOS 27 are anticipated.
Apple says iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, visionOS 27 and tvOS 27 will mark end-of-software-support for a range of older devices in 2026, though security updates may continue for years. iPhones on iOS 26 can upgrade to iOS 27 (including models back to iPhone 11), but older iPhones won’t get all of iOS 27’s features. The devices hitting end of life with these releases include iPad Air 3rd gen, iPad Pro 11" (1st gen), iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd gen), iPad (8th gen), iPad mini (5th gen); Apple Watch Series 6/7/8, Ultra, SE; MacBook Pro 16" (2019), MacBook Pro 13" (2020, four Thunderbolt 3 ports), iMac (2020), Mac Pro (2019); and Apple TV HD/4K. Even after end-of-feature updates, Apple will continue to push some security patches for years, so upgrading or limiting usage to offline tasks is advised once a device loses active support.
Apple unveiled WatchOS 27 at WWDC, highlighting an on-wrist Siri, a new Dynamic Home Grid, and Workout Buddy that no longer requires a connected iPhone. The update emphasizes battery efficiency and faster app launches, with health features like irregular cycle tracking and perimenopause/menopause logging (plus related Fitness+ workouts), new health APIs (Menopause API, Workout Zones API), and minor enhancements across Siri and stability. Public beta arrives in July, with a final release anticipated in September alongside new Apple Watch models.
Apple confirms watchOS 27 will run on just five Apple Watch models—SE 3, Series 11, Series 10, Ultra 3, and Ultra 2—while requiring an iPhone 11 or newer (or the second-gen iPhone SE or newer) running iOS 27, leaving many older watches without official support.
WWDC 2026 is expected to spotlight a Gemini-powered Siri with a dedicated iOS 27 app (potentially in beta), a natural-language Shortcuts overhaul, a macOS 27 Liquid Glass refresh, and enhanced heart-rate tracking in watchOS 27, all under a broader AI theme; the event could also mark Tim Cook’s final WWDC as CEO with a leadership transition already planned for later this year.