Apple has officially unveiled watchOS 27, and while the update does bring new features like Siri AI, a dedicated Siri app, a dynamic app grid, better Smart Stack suggestions, and more health and fitness improvements, there is one thing that is hard to ignore: a lot of Apple Watch users are being left behind.
According to Apple’s website, watchOS 27 will only support the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. That means older Apple Watch models, including still-capable devices, are now out of the picture.
And honestly? This is frustrating. These devices that are supported are launched in 2024 and the previous ones? No major updates coming!
Yes, Apple Intelligence is clearly the big reason here. Siri AI is one of the headline features of watchOS 27, and Apple wants to push AI across its ecosystem. But the problem is that not every watchOS 27 feature should be locked behind Apple Intelligence. A dynamic app grid, UI refinements, general performance improvements, and some features doesn’t need the latest hardware.
The Apple Watch is not a cheap accessory. A lot of people bought their watches expecting years of software support, especially since many older models are still fast enough for notifications, fitness tracking, calls, payments, and basic apps. Dropping support just because the new OS is heavily tied to AI feels unfair, especially when Apple could have offered a lighter version of watchOS 27 without Siri AI for older devices.
Apple has always been good at making people feel like their older devices are outdated overnight. With watchOS 27, that feeling is even stronger. The new features are nice, sure. Siri AI on the wrist sounds useful, and Apple Intelligence could make the Apple Watch smarter than ever. But leaving behind multiple devices just to make the AI era look cleaner is a move that will definitely annoy many Apple Watch owners.
At this point, Apple needs to be more transparent. If older Apple Watch models cannot handle Siri AI, fine. But give them the non-AI features. Give users the design refinements. Give them the small quality-of-life improvements. Not every update has to be all or nothing.
watchOS 27 might be a big step forward for Apple’s wearable platform, but for many users, it will also be the update that reminds them that Apple Intelligence is not just a feature. It is also becoming Apple’s new line in the sand.
And that kind of sucks.
