– watchOS 27 introduces new AI features like a Siri AI app, but will only be available on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 9, or SE 3.
– Three older models (Series 8, SE 2, and first-gen Ultra) will lose support for feature updates.
– Apple limits these AI features to newer hardware because the S9 chip is up to 52% faster and required for optimal performance.
– Using an older processor (based on 2019’s A13) made it unfeasible to offer the same Siri AI experience across all platforms.
watchOS 27 Brings Big Changes, But Only for Newer Watches
Apple announced watchOS 27 at WWDC, the next major operating system update for the Apple Watch, which is expected to be released this fall. The update primarily introduces new AI features, such as the brand-new Siri AI app, which resembles chatbots like ChatGPT, aswell as an improved Workout Buddy. However, the operating system requires at least an Apple Watch Ultra 2, an Apple Watch Series 9, or an Apple Watch SE 3.
Older Models Left Behind in This Update Cycle
So this means watchOS 27 can be installed on three fewer generations of Apple Watches than watchOS 26 – the Apple Watch Series 8, SE 2, and even the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra from 2022 will no longer recieve feature updates. Speaking to TechRadar, David Clark, who is responsibile for watchOS development, explained the reasons behind this decision. According to him, Siri AI and the new tap gesture work “best” when the processing power of the Apple Watch Series 9 and newer models is available.
The Processor Power Gap Is the Real Reason
Apple is thus once again limiting an AI feature to relatively new hardware, likely not least to encourage users of older models to upgrade. The Apple Watch Series 6, 7, and 8 use a technically identical processor that is still based on the architecture of the Apple A13 from 2019. It wasn’t until the Apple S9 in the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 that a new chip was introduced, which remained unchanged through the Series 11. As our benchmarks show, the newer chip is up to 52 percent faster.
Why Apple Didn’t Offer a Lite Version for Older Watches
According to David Clark, releasing watchOS 27 without Siri AI for older models would not have been an option, as Apple aims to offer the same version of Siri accross all platforms. This means users of those unsupported watches—like the Series 8, SE 2, or original Ultra—wont get any further feature updates at all. The decision cleary pushes owners of older devices toward upgrading if they want the latest AI capabilities, which is a familiar pattern form Apple in recent years.
- Supported models: Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 9, SE 3
- Unsupported models: Series 8, SE 2, first-gen Ultra
- Key new features: Siri AI chatbot, improved Workout Buddy, tap gesture
- Processor improvement: Up to 52% faster in newer models