Apple launches watchOS 27 with upgraded Siri AI and new watch face features

Apple announced the rollout of watchOS 27, the latest operating system for the Apple Watch, which is compatible with Series 9 and later, Ultra 2 and later, and SE 3 models. The update can be installed for free via the Settings app on the watch.

The centerpiece of the release is an upgraded, conversational version of Siri that incorporates personal context, app actions, onscreen awareness and broader world knowledge. Users can access the new Siri experience through a dedicated Siri app that syncs conversations across devices via iCloud. The system also offers more expressive, natural-sounding voices that can be customized for expressivity and pace on supported iPhone models.

Apple Intelligence features have been expanded. The Workout Buddy now provides motivation and insights without requiring a nearby iPhone when a Wi-Fi or cellular connection is available. In the Phone app, Call Context can recognize when a user is speaking with certain businesses and automatically surface relevant details such as confirmation codes or reservation numbers.

Health tracking receives an update with cycle deviation notifications aimed at users aged 40 and over, suggesting possible perimenopause signs.

New watch faces include the Siri Modular face, which displays a rectangular complication mirroring the top widget of the Smart Stack and a Siri shortcut. The Smart Stack gains a single-handed tap gesture for selecting widgets and will surface suggestion widgets such as parked-car location, birthday reminders, transit card balance changes, and noise alerts when most relevant.

The update is available now for download on supported devices.