Apple says performance limits prevent older Watch models from receiving watchOS 27

Apple disclosed that the Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, second-generation SE and the original Apple Watch Ultra will not be offered watchOS 27. These devices will continue to receive basic security patches but will miss new features such as the Siri AI integration and a new tap gesture, which Apple says require the processing power found in Series 9, Ultra 2 and later models and SE 3.

"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," said Cait Dooley, Apple Watch and Health product marketing manager.

Dooley added that watches paired with an iPhone running the latest iOS will remain functional and continue to receive security updates.

David Clark, senior director of watchOS software engineering, said watchOS 27 aims to "expand the intelligence story on Apple Watch and make it a true co-partner to Apple Intelligence." He highlighted the watch as a convenient way to interact with Siri, noting the goal of a consistent Siri experience across devices.

"We really wanted to make sure the Siri experience is a singular and consistent experience, whether I decide to ask Siri on my wrist a question, or whether I have my phone in my hand and I decide to interact with Siri there," Clark explained.

The update is currently in developer beta, with a public beta expected next month and a full release slated for the fall.