The demanding performance needs of new Siri AI capabilities are behind the decision to drop support for the Apple Watch Series 6 through 8 and the original Ultra.
In a single software cycle, Apple is ending major feature updates for the Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, SE 2, and the first-generation Ultra. While these devices will continue to receive basic security patches, the new AI-powered future is reserved for newer hardware.
The decision was driven by a commitment to user experience, explained Cait Dooley, Apple Watch and Health product marketing manager. "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 ambition for watchOS 27 is to make the Apple Watch a "true co-partner" to Apple Intelligence. This required a singular, consistent Siri across all devices, according to David Clark, senior director of watchOS software engineering.
"We really wanted to make sure the Siri experience is a singular and consistent experience," Clark said. "We really wanted to feel like it's one Siri, that has access to your data and is able to personalize it in a consistent way."
The watch is often "the most convenient way to interact with Siri" for quick, hands-free requests. Clark used the example of asking for a recipe while shopping, then having that list appear seamlessly on your iPhone—a cross-device handoff he calls a "superpower." This level of intelligence is what demands the faster chips in Apple's latest watches.
The first developer beta of watchOS 27 is available now, with a public beta expected next month before its official release this fall. For a large portion of Apple Watch owners, however, this update marks a clear line in the sand between the old guard and the new era of on-wrist AI.
