watchOS 27 drops support for 5 Apple Watch models: why
▼ Summary
– watchOS 27 drops support for Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, SE (2nd gen), and first-gen Ultra.
– Apple’s Cait Dooley said the decision prioritizes the best user experience, with new features needing the processing power of Series 9 or later.
– Older unsupported Apple Watch models can still pair with iPhones running the latest iOS and will receive security updates.
– New watchOS 27 features include a Siri AI app, a dynamic app grid, and Workout Buddy improvements.
– watchOS 27 is in developer beta, with a public beta in July and a full release in the fall.
When Apple unveiled watchOS 27 last week, the immediate buzz wasn’t just about new features. It was about which older Apple Watch models would be left behind. This year, the company is cutting compatibility for several past-generation devices, a move that has sparked plenty of conversation.
To clarify the reasoning, Apple Watch and Health Product Marketing Manager Cait Dooley spoke with TechRadar about the watchOS 27 compatibility changes.
So, does your Apple Watch make the cut? As reported, watchOS 27 drops support for the Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, and Series 8. It also removes compatibility for the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) and the original Apple Watch Ultra. The full list of supported models includes only the Series 9 and later, Ultra 2 and later, and the third-generation SE.
According to Dooley, the decision was rooted in a desire to deliver the “best experience” for every user, regardless of their watch model. This year, achieving that goal meant making some tough cuts.
However, Dooley reassured owners of older devices that they won’t be completely left in the dark. Those watches will still pair with iPhones running newer iOS versions and will receive essential security updates. She explained:
“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. 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.”
watchOS 27 brings a handful of new capabilities to supported models. Highlights include a dedicated Siri AI app, a redesigned dynamic app grid, and enhancements to Workout Buddy. For a complete breakdown of everything new, you can check the full guide. The update is currently in developer beta, with a public beta arriving in July and a wide release expected in the fall.
(Source: 9to5Mac)
