When Apple unveiled watchOS 27 at its Worldwide Developers Conference last week, the biggest surprise for many users was the device compatibility list. For the first time in several years, Apple is dropping support for multiple older Apple Watch models in a single update. Specifically, the Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, the second-generation Apple Watch SE, and the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra will not be able to run watchOS 27. This marks a significant shift in Apple’s approach to wearable software support.

In an interview with TechRadar, Cait Dooley, Apple’s product marketing manager for Apple Watch and Health, offered additional context behind the compatibility changes. Dooley emphasized that the company’s primary goal is to ensure that every user has “the best experience” possible, and that this year, that meant making some difficult cuts. “With every software release across every single one of our platforms, we always want to ensure that you have the best experience, so we make power and performance a priority,” Dooley said. “The great new features in watchOS, including the capabilities of Siri AI and the new tap gesture, work best with the processing power that is in Apple Watch Series 9 and later, Ultra 2 and later, and SE 3.”

Full List of Compatible Apple Watch Models for watchOS 27

As reported earlier, watchOS 27 will run on the following Apple Watch models:

• Apple Watch SE (3rd generation)
• Apple Watch Series 9
• Apple Watch Series 10
• Apple Watch Series 11
• Apple Watch Ultra 2
• Apple Watch Ultra 3

All models older than these—including the Series 6 (2020), Series 7 (2021), Series 8 (2022), SE 2 (2022), and the original Ultra (2022)—are no longer eligible for the major update. Users with those devices will remain on watchOS 26.x and continue to receive security updates, but they will miss out on the new features slated for watchOS 27.

Why Apple Is Dropping Support Now

Apple has historically supported Apple Watch models for about five to six years after release. The Series 6 launched in September 2020, which means it is approaching the six-year mark. The Series 7 and Series 8, launched in 2021 and 2022 respectively, are being cut earlier than some expected. However, the inclusion of the first-gen Ultra (also from 2022) is particularly notable, as it was Apple’s top-tier rugged model. The decision appears to be driven by the need for a newer system-on-chip (SoC) that can efficiently run on-device AI tasks and advanced gesture recognition.

watchOS 27 introduces a dedicated Siri AI app that processes many requests locally, reducing latency and improving privacy. This requires the neural engine and CPU improvements found in the S9 chip and later. The Series 6 uses the S6 SoC, which lacks the same AI capabilities. Similarly, the new dynamic app grid and enhanced Workout Buddy features rely on the always-on display and additional sensors that were upgraded in Series 9 and later. By setting a higher baseline, Apple can innovate more aggressively without being held back by older hardware.

What Users with Older Watches Should Expect

Dooley assured users that older Apple Watch models will still work with iPhones running the latest iOS. “Older devices can still be paired with iPhones that are running the latest software and continue to receive security updates, so they can continue to have a great Apple Watch experience,” she said. This means that while new features are lost, the core functionality—notifications, health tracking, workout logging, and basic app usage—will remain intact. Security patches will be issued for watchOS 26 for the foreseeable future, though the exact duration has not been specified.

Historical Context: Apple Watch Software Support Lifecycle

To understand why Apple is dropping these models now, it helps to look back at previous compatibility cutoffs. The original Apple Watch (Series 0) was supported for just four years, while the Series 1 and 2 lasted about five years. The Series 3 received seven major updates (watchOS 4 through 10) before being dropped for watchOS 11 in 2024. The Series 4 and 5 were cut off last year with watchOS 26. The current move deprecates models that are four to six years old, which aligns with Apple’s general pattern of supporting hardware for about five years of major OS updates.

However, the decision to drop the first-generation Ultra is more surprising, as it is only three years old. The Ultra was launched in September 2022 alongside the Series 8 and SE 2. It features the same S8 chip used in the Series 8 and Series 7. The S8 chip is essentially a rebranded S7 with minor improvements, but it lacks the dedicated neural engine power of the S9. This suggests that the AI-driven features in watchOS 27 require capabilities that only the S9 and newer chips provide. The Ultra 2 (S9 chip) remains compatible, and the new Ultra 3 (likely S10 or later) will also be supported.

New Features Exclusive to watchOS 27

watchOS 27 brings several headline features that justify the hardware requirements. The most significant is Siri AI, which now has its own dedicated app on the watch face. Users can ask complex queries, get summarized notifications, and control smart home devices with natural language commands. The new tap gesture, already hinted at in earlier watchOS versions, expands to allow for more nuanced interactions, such as tapping two fingers to open a specific app or snoozing an alarm without looking at the screen.

Workout Buddy gets a major overhaul with real-time coaching suggestions, adaptive workout plans based on health data, and social features that let users compete with friends. The dynamic app grid repositions icons based on usage patterns, making frequently used apps more accessible. There are also enhancements to the Always-On Display, enabling more complications and a richer visual experience. Health tracking improvements include better sleep stage detection, new running metrics, and expanded cycle tracking insights.

Implications for the Wearable Market

Apple’s decision to narrow compatibility could accelerate upgrade cycles for Apple Watch users. With over 100 million active Apple Watch users worldwide, even a modest percentage upgrading to newer models could generate significant revenue. The move also pressures users of older models to consider purchasing Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, or Ultra 2 and later to access AI features. This is reminiscent of Apple’s strategy with the iPhone, where newer iOS versions often require the latest chips for on-device machine learning.

Competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch and Google’s Pixel Watch have also started tying advanced features to newer hardware. The Wear OS platform has seen similar fragmentation, where features like ECG or blood pressure monitoring are exclusive to specific models. Apple’s approach, however, is unique in that it cuts off entire generations at once, rather than incrementally adding features.

How to Check Your Apple Watch Model

If you are unsure which Apple Watch you own, you can find the model number in the Watch app on your iPhone: go to My Watch > General > About > Model. Alternatively, on the watch itself, navigate to Settings > General > About. The model name will appear, such as “Apple Watch Series 6” or “Apple Watch Ultra.” The last two digits of the model number correspond to the generation: e.g., A2291 (Series 6), A2473 (Series 7), A2475 (Series 8), A2652 (SE 2), and A2622 (Ultra).

Preparing for watchOS 27

The developer beta for watchOS 27 is available now, with a public beta expected in July and a full release in September or October alongside the iPhone 18 series. Users with compatible watches can install the beta via the Apple Developer Center or through the Apple Beta Software Program. It is strongly recommended to back up your watch (via iCloud or iPhone) before installing beta software, as downgrades are not possible once installed. For those with unsupported models, no action is needed; their watch will continue running watchOS 26, which remains a capable platform.

Apple has also confirmed that watchOS 27 will ship with new watch faces tailored to the S9 chip’s capabilities, including animated complications and live data feeds. These faces will not be available on older hardware, even if the watch is updated to the latest possible watchOS 26.x. This is a familiar pattern: new watch faces often require specific hardware features, such as the always-on display or a particular GPU.

Final Words from Apple Executives

Dooley’s interview underscored that the decision was not taken lightly. “We know that many people have grown attached to their Apple Watch, and we don’t make these decisions casually,” she told TechRadar. “But to deliver the best possible experience and to keep innovating, we sometimes need to move forward. We are committed to supporting older devices with security updates for as long as possible.” She declined to specify how long security updates would continue for watchOS 26, but historically Apple has supported the previous two major OS versions with patches for around two to three years after a new version releases.

The removal of five models in one year is unprecedented for Apple Watch. It suggests that the company is entering a new era of wearable intelligence, where older silicon cannot keep up. As users evaluate whether to upgrade, they should consider the longevity of their current device. The S9 chip debuted in 2023 with the Series 9, so those models should be supported for at least four to five more major watchOS releases. The Series 10 (2024) and Series 11 (2025) have even newer chips, and the Ultra 2 (2024) and Ultra 3 (2026) will likely see similar support windows.

For now, watchOS 27 offers a compelling upgrade for owners of compatible devices. The combination of Siri AI, enhanced gestures, and refined fitness features makes it one of the most significant watchOS updates in years. Users who hold onto older models will miss out, but they can take comfort in knowing that their watch remains secure and functional for daily use.

Source: 9to5Mac News