Apple has announced that five Apple Watch models, including the Series 6, 7, 8, SE 2, and the original Ultra, will not be eligible for the upcoming watchOS 27 update. These models will continue to receive only basic security updates. This decision marks a significant shift, as Apple is ending support for three years’ worth of devices in a single update. According to Cait Dooley, Apple’s product marketing manager, the decision is based on performance requirements. The new features, such as Siri AI capabilities and a new tap gesture, are optimized for the processing power found in newer models like the Series 9 and later. Despite this, older watches paired with iPhones running the latest software will still function and receive security updates. David Clark, senior director of watchOS software engineering, emphasized that watchOS 27 aims to enhance the intelligence of the Apple Watch, making it a seamless partner to Apple Intelligence. He highlighted the convenience of using Siri on the wrist for quick interactions, ensuring a consistent experience across devices. The update is currently in beta for developers, with a public beta expected soon before the official release in the fall.
Why Is Apple Dropping Support for Many Apple Watch Models with watchOS 27?
