Apple reveals why five Apple Watch models are missing out on watchOS 27

The upcoming watchOS 27 update will not be compatible with five Apple Watch models, marking the largest single wave of devices to lose software support in the platform’s history.

While the move may disappoint some users, Apple says the decision was driven by the hardware requirements of its latest features and its commitment to delivering a consistent user experience.

In an interview with TechRadar, Apple explained that it wants users to “have the best experience” with every software update, adding that it places “power and performance as a priority” when determining device compatibility.

David Clark, Senior Director of watchOS software engineering, clarified and 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. 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.

According to Apple, watchOS 27 is designed to bring the Apple Watch deeper into the Apple Intelligence ecosystem. The company said it wants the update to “expand the intelligence story on Apple Watch and make it a true co-partner to Apple Intelligence.”

Apple also stressed the importance of delivering a consistent Siri experience across its devices. As more AI-powered features are integrated into the Apple ecosystem, the company believes interactions with Siri should feel seamless, whether users are speaking to an Apple Watch on their wrist or an iPhone in their hand.

watchOS 27 will be released later this year and will be supported by the following Apple Watches:

Source: TechRadar