Apple yesterday inaugurated its annual conference for developers, WWDC 2026presenting the new versions of the operating systems of the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watchwhich will arrive next fall. With each new version, it is common for old models to remain stuck in the previous one and without the possibility of updating. And in this regard, this year there has been one of lime and another of sand, because while iOS 27 can be installed on any iPhone compatible with iOS 26the pickle made with the Apple Watch has been notable. Only five models, those launched from 2023, will be able to work with watchOS 27.
The Apple Watch compatible with the next version of the operating system are the following:
- Apple Watch ultra 2 (2023).
- Apple Watch Series 10 (2024).
- Apple Watch SE 3 (2025).
- Apple Watch Series 11 (2025).
- Apple Watch ultra 3 (2025).
It is a notable contrast to the compatibility presented watchOS 26supported by almost a dozen models and that reaches watches as old as the Apple Watch Series 6released in 2020.
In the case of iPadOS 27five models are left out, all with the chip A12 Bionic. Compatible iPads must have a A13 or higher, and the most recent model that remains with iPadOS 26 for the remains it is the 8th generation iPad released in 2020.
In the of Macthe limit is set by Apple silicon. Models with processors Intelthe last ones launched in 2020, will not receive macOS 27 Golden Gate. It is mandatory to have one of the series M from Apple.
What’s new in watchOS 27
If you have any of the Apple Watches mentioned above, you will need a iPhone 11 or later with iOS 27 to install the latest update. watchOS 27 arrives with Siri AIan advanced and fully conversational version of Siri driven by Apple Intelligence which will arrive at the end of this year. It also incorporates a new dynamic app grid with icons of five apps suggested by Siri. Additionally, it can be used a new touch gesture to open a widget in the smart group, and a new app Look for finally puts order in the mess of Find devices, Find objects and Search people on the Apple Watch.
WorkoutBuddy It can work without an iPhone nearby and offers new activity-based data, including progress in pace, distance, and workout duration. Apple has also improved its motion tracking algorithms to more accurately measure distance on indoor treadmill runs and walks.
As for other changes, music playback in watchOS 27 starts faster and can be created personalized cards for any subscription, card or card that uses a QR code or barcode. Afterwards, they can be easily consulted from the app Briefcase or set them to the smart group.
Among all these new features, Siri Ai is the most striking and demanding, but it is still a tool that runs on the iPhone, not on the Apple Watch, so It is difficult to understand why Apple has left so many models out.