Tag: watchOS 27

  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Newer to Get watchOS 27 Only

    Key Takeaway

    – 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
    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Apple Watch Ultra Gets Short Update Support for No Reason

    Apple Watch Ultra Gets Short Update Support for No Reason

    Key Takeaway

    – watchOS 27 drops support for Series 6, 7, 8, and 9, requiring Series 10/11, Ultra 2/3, or SE 3.
    – Series 9 (with S9 chip) is excluded, while the same-chip Ultra 2 is supported, creating inconsistency.
    – Apple Watch software support is no longer reliable, cutting off devices after just two major updates.
    – Long-term updates, once a key advantage over competitors, are no longer guaranteed for Apple Watch.

    watchOS 27 Anounced at WWDC With New Restrictions

    Apple introduced watchOS 27 at WWDC today, which is a big new operating system update for the Apple Watch that should be coming out in the fall. Excluding the Siri AI and the new chatbot built on Google Gemini, there are not many fresh features to get excited about. But, the software support for older watches is going to be heavily cut down, which is a massive change from before.

    Which Apple Watch Models Are Compatible

    Even though watchOS 26 worked with the Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, and 9, as well as the first-gen Ultra and the second-gen SE, Apple has slashed support by four generations all at once. To run watchOS 27, you will need a Series 10 or Series 11 ($299 on Amazon), an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or 3, or an Apple Watch SE 3. That means the Series 9, which launched only two and a half years back, has only got two major software updates.

    Performance and Chip Similarities

    This is really bothersome, mainly because the Series 9 watch uses the exact same Apple S9 chip which is also inside the Apple Watch Ultra 2. That Ultra 2 model came out at the same time and is confirmed to work with watchOS 27, so the inconsistency is confusing. Since the S6, S7, and S8 chips from the earlier generations were practically identical, maybe there is some technical reasons for dropping support for those models.

    Long-Term Support and Consumer Trust

    Apple is leaving customers who bought a costly smartwatch just two years ago out in the cold, which shows that you cannot always count on future updates. People who purchase an Apple Watch now should not expect long-term software support anymore, which is a shame. In the smartwatch market especially, having long updates was a real plus for the Apple Watch compared to many of its rivals.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Best iPhones, iPads, Macs & Apple Watches Getting Next OS Update

    Best iPhones, iPads, Macs & Apple Watches Getting Next OS Update

    Key Takeaway

    – iOS 27 is compatible with all iPhones that supported iOS 26.
    – iPadOS 27 drops support for 2018 iPad Pro models and several older iPads.
    – macOS 27 Golden Gate requires an Apple Silicon Mac; Intel Macs are not supported.
    – watchOS 27 removes support for Apple Watch Series 6-9 and Ultra 1.
    – Only iPhone users have universal compatibility; iPad, Mac, and Watch users face significant device restrictions.

    Major System Updates Announced at WWDC

    Apple today announced multiple major operating system updates at WWDC, which are expected to be released in the fall. However, who can install iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate and watchOS 27 as soon as the updates are available depends heavily on how old the devices used are. There is only really good news for iPhone users.

    iOS 27 Compatiblity

    iOS 27, the next major operating system update for the iPhone, is the only update that runs on all models on which iOS 26 could be installed last year. Specifically, this means that iOS 27 can be installed on the following iPhones:

    • iPhone 15 series
    • iPhone 14 series
    • iPhone 13 series
    • iPhone 12 series
    • iPhone 11 series
    • iPhone XS and XR
    • iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

    iPadOS 27 Dropped Support

    Software support for the iPad doesn’t look quite as rosy. The 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro from 2018 will be left behind, as will the eighth-generation iPad, the fifth-generation iPad mini and the third-generation iPad Air. This means that iPadOS 27 is compatible with the following iPad models:

    • iPad Pro (2020 and later)
    • iPad Air (4th generation and later)
    • iPad mini (6th generation and later)
    • iPad (9th generation and later)

    macOS 27 Golden Gate Requirements

    macOS 27 Golden Gate can be installed on all Macs with a Apple processor, but not on a single model with an Intel chip, so all devices sold before 2020 will no longer receive feature updates. The following Macs are compatible:

    • MacBook Air (2020 and later)
    • MacBook Pro (2020 and later)
    • Mac mini (2020 and later)
    • iMac (2021 and later)
    • Mac Pro (2023 and later)
    • Mac Studio (2022 and later)

    watchOS 27 Very Limited Devices

    The compatibility cuts hit the Apple Watch particularly hard. While watchOS 26 could still be installed on the Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8 and 9 as well as on the Apple Watch Ultra 1, Apple is removing support for all four generations, meaning that watchOS 27 will only run on very few smartwatches:

    • Apple Watch Series 10
    • Apple Watch Ultra 2
    • Apple Watch SE (3rd generation)


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,

  • Apple unveils watchOS 27, drops support for 4 older Watch models

    Key Takeaway

    – watchOS 27 requires Apple Watch Series 10, Ultra 2, or SE 3; Series 9 and older are excluded.
    – Siri AI based on Google Gemini can operate apps (e.g., route planning, adding photos).
    – AI predicts app selection for a smaller, smarter app list.
    – New features: revised Liquid Glass design, enhanced Workout Buddy, thumb-index finger tap gesture, Wallet QR codes, faster Music app.

    New Operating System Update Revealed at WWDC

    At WWDC today, Apple not only announced iOS 27 and macOS 27 Golden Gate, but also watchOS 27. While the smartwatch operating system was only mentioned in a few words at the press conference, Apple’s website shows what new features the Apple Watch will receive in the fall – and reveals a disappointment for users of slightly older Apple Watches.

    Disapointing Compatibility News for Owners

    While watchOS 26 could still be installed on all models back to the Apple Watch Series 6, watchOS 27 requires at least an Apple Watch Series 10, an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or an Apple Watch SE 3. Even the just two and a half year old Apple Watch Series 9 will be left behind and will probably not receive any further feature updates. Anyone using a current model such as the Apple Watch Series 11 will mainly receive new AI features with the update.

    Siri Gets a Major Upgrade With AI Integration

    Apple is bringing Siri AI and the Siri app to the Apple Watch. This app is very reminiscent of standard AI chatbots like ChatGPT, and this is no coincidence, as the app is based on Google Gemini. Siri can also operate apps and, for example, plan a route in Apple Maps or add a photo to an album.

    Minor Innovations and Design Tweaks

    Apart from that, watchOS 27 only brings minor innovations. The app selection can use AI to guess which app is likely to be selected and thus display a smaller selection. The “Liquid Glass” design has been slightly revised. The Workout Buddy gets more motivational sayings based on additional data. A new tap gesture with thumb and index finger can open a widget, the Wallet app can display QR codes of any tickets and membership cards, and the music app starts faster.


    Sources

    Tags: , , ,
  • Apple Watch sensor upgrade and new features with watchOS 27

    Apple Watch sensor upgrade and new features with watchOS 27

    Key Takeaway

    – watchOS 27 could enable sensor improvements and new features on older Apple Watch models, not just new hardware.
    – A modular “Modular Ultra” watch face will be available across both Ultra and smaller Apple Watches, featuring numerous complications.
    – watchOS 27 aims to enhance performance, stability, Maps access on Ultra 3, satellite photo sharing, AI features, and potential Siri app availability.

    Introductory Overview

    Apple Watch chatter continues with talk of minor hardware tweaks rather than sweeping changes, keepin things relatively constant. The Series 11 priced at $299 on Amazon and the Ultra 3 have not shown dramatic redesigns, and the Series 12 is anticipated to follow suit with only small hardware tweaks. Meanwhile, whispers indicate the Ultra 4 could showcase a totally refreshed silhouette and upgraded sensors, though nothing is set in stone yet.

    Sensor and Software Speculation

    Latest reports from Bloomberg hint that sensor improvements might come not from new gears, but from watchOS 27, allowing older devices to gain enhancements without a hardware overhaul. The exact mechanics of heart rate measurement uplift remain unclear, yet a clearer picture is forming about what the next major OS update could deliver, including a modular watch face inspired by “Modular Ultra” that would be accessible on both the Ultra and the standard Apple Watch.

    What watchOS 27 Promises

    The anticipated update is said to boost overall performance and stability, while enabling the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to interact more deeply with Maps and to transmit and receive photos via a satellite network. This would mark a shift from only supporting emergency calls and texts to a broader suite of satellite capabilities. There is also chatter about new AI features, though it remains uncertain whether the Siri chatbot app will appear on the watch at launch or remain exclusive to iPhone and iPad for now.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,