Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld reports that watchOS 27 drops support for 10 older Apple Watch models, including Series 6-9 and the original Ultra, potentially affecting about a million devices.
- Only newer models like Apple Watch SE 3, Series 10-11, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3 from 2024-2025 will remain compatible with the update.
- Users with unsupported devices will miss new features like Siri AI, forcing many to upgrade despite unclear reasoning for dropping support.
Any Apple Watch fan watching Monday’s WWDC keynote had to be disappointed. For one, Craig Federighi barely mentioned the platform, with the first mention of anything new coming nearly an hour into the event. But they might have missed something far worse: watchOS 27 drops support for 10 models.
You read that right: The upcoming watchOS 27 update, which includes Siri AI, a new tap gesture to select a widget in the Smart Stack, and design refinements all throughout the system, is only compatible with the following models:
- Apple Watch SE 3
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
That’s only models released in 2024 and 2025 and cuts off numerous models that were able to run watchOS 26, including:
- Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Ultra
It’s not clear what the reasoning behind the move is. It’s notable that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 uses the same S9 chip as the Apple Watch Series 9, but only one of the watches is supported. If it’s related to battery life, the Series 10 offers the same 18 hours as the Apple Watch SE 3. And if it has something to do with design or sensors, the Apple Watch SE 3 has fewer features than the Series 8.
Unless it’s an error, there will be a lot of Apple Watch users upset that their devices are suddenly running outdated software. But don’t worry, Apple will be happy to sell them a new Apple Watch Series 12 in just a couple of months.
