Apple Explains Why watchOS 27 Drops Older Watches

Apple says new watchOS 27 needs more power, so five older Apple Watch models will not get the update.

Apple's new watchOS 27 will not work with five older Apple Watch models. The Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, SE 2, and original Ultra will only get security updates. This is the first time Apple has dropped three years of devices in one update.

Cait Dooley, Apple's Watch product manager, said performance is the reason. New features like Siri AI and the tap gesture need more processing power. These features work best with the Series 9, Ultra 2, and SE 3. Older watches will still work with iPhones and get security updates.

David Clark, a software engineering director, said watchOS 27 makes Siri smarter. The watch is often the easiest way to use Siri because it is always on your wrist. For example, you can ask Siri for a recipe while shopping, then see the same list on your iPhone later. This handoff is a 'superpower,' he said.

watchOS 27 is now in beta for developers. A public beta will come next month, and the final version will arrive in the fall.