Apple has confirmed that the upcoming watchOS 27 will mark the end of full support for five Apple Watch models . These models will not gain access to Siri 's new AI features or the operating system's other advanced features.
The Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, second-generation Apple Watch SE, and the first-generation Apple Watch Ultrawill continue to receive only basic security updates. The decision is considered particularly significant, as it marks the first time Apple has withdrawn full support for devices that are only three years old in a single software update.
See also: watchOS 27: Learn all about new features and compatibility
Artificial intelligence requires more processing power
According to Apple, the main reason behind this change is the increased processing power requirements brought by watchOS 27. The company explains that new features, such as Siri AI, advanced personalization, and new tap gestures, are designed to take full advantage of the capabilities of the newer processors.
For this reason, the new operating system is supported exclusively by Apple Watch Series 9 and newer models, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the new third-generation Apple Watch SE.
This strategy clearly shows that Apple is entering a new era, where artificial intelligence ceases to be an optional feature and becomes a core element of the user experience.
The Apple Watch as a personal assistant on your wrist
The company describes watchOS 27 as a significant step towards transforming the Apple Watch into a true “partner” in the Apple Intelligence ecosystem.
The new Siri gains access to more personal data and can provide more accurate, personalized responses. At the same time, the experience becomes unified across all Apple, allowing users to start an action on the watch and continue it seamlessly on iPhone, iPad or Mac.
See also: Apple Watch 2027: New OLED Technology for Improved Performance?
A typical example is the ability to ask Siri for ingredients for a recipe while shopping at the supermarket and later find the same information organized on your iPhone. Apple considers this kind of continuity of experience one of the biggest innovations of the new platform.
What does this mean for owners of older models?
Although these Apple Watches will not be upgraded to watchOS 27, the devices are not rendered useless. They will continue to work normally with the latest iPhones and will continue to receive security updates.
However, users will gradually lose access to the most important new features of Apple's ecosystem. This includes not only artificial intelligence features, but also future services that will likely rely on more powerful processors and greater machine learning capabilities.
See also: Wear OS 7: New widgets and 10% better battery life on smartwatches
A new upgrade strategy from Apple
Apple's decision also shows that the company is rethinking how it handles the lifecycle of its wearables. Until now, the Apple Watch series had built a reputation for being supported for a long time through continuous software updates.
The advent of Generative AI is changing the balance. The demands for data processing , intelligent predictions, and deeper personalization are forcing companies to set higher technical limits on the devices they support.
watchOS 27 is perhaps the first clear indication that the AI era will accelerate the wearable device refresh cycle. For users who want to take full advantage of Apple Intelligence, upgrading to a newer Apple Watch may soon become not an option, but a necessity.
