Apple’s overhauled, AI-powered Siri experience debuted at WWDC 2026, and best of all, it will be available on Apple Watch via the forthcoming watchOS 27 software. However, there’s a catch: Not all Apple Watch users will be able to access the latest release.
As a refresher, Apple teamed up with Google to help power its latest Apple Intelligence features, including Siri AI. The upgraded personal assistant promises a more conversational experience, with the ability to pull relevant information from compatible apps and a database of broad, timely world knowledge, to deliver a richer and more useful experience.
Here’s everything you need to know about support for Siri AI on Apple Watch via watchOS 27.
watchOS 27 support is limited to six models
Apple watches that will support WatchOS 27
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch SE 3
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Series 9
While last year’s watchOS 26 software was supported by smartwatch models as old as 2020’s Apple Watch Series 6, watchOS 27 is compatible with a far smaller selection of models.
All of the 2025 Apple Watch models will be eligible to upgrade to watchOS 27, including the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. The Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 are additionally supported.
And… that’s it.
It's unclear whether AI features also require the latest iPhone
When Apple first announced watchOS 27, the marketing materials suggested that, in addition to owning one of the best Apple Watch models, you’ll also need to ensure your smartwatch is paired with an Apple Intelligent capable iPhone (15 Pro, Pro Max, or newer) to access the wrist-based AI features.
However, updates to the watchOS 27 page now suggest that Apple's latest smartwatch software will work with any paired iPhone running iOS 27, including models as old as the iPhone 11.
watchOS 27 also brings these AI enhancements
In addition to Siri AI, watchOS 27 also unlocks all sorts of other useful AI-powered features, like a new Dynamic App Grid that auto-populates with your most-used apps, Call Context to display relevant information when mentioned during a phone conversation, and a smarter Smart Stack that automatically populates the Stack with useful apps based on context.
Plus, a new single-tap gesture control makes it even easier to open an app or information via the Smart Stack.
watchOS 27: Outlook
While I’m genuinely excited to take Siri AI for a spin, I’m equally annoyed by the platform's super-limited compatibility with older Apple Watch models. After all, shouldn’t a smartwatch like the Apple Watch Series 8, which isn’t even four years old, be supported by the latest operating system? I sure think so.
Ultimately, I’m hopeful (though not optimistic) that Cupertino will eventually roll out a separate version of watchOS 27 without all the AI features for folks with slightly older, yet still relevant, Apple Watch models.
What are your thoughts on watchOS 27 and the new Apple Watch AI features? Let me know in the poll or comments below.
