watchOS 27 brings new functions and possibilities to the Apple Watch. Like every year, we collect the most important questions about the new operating system for the Apple Watch in our watchOS 27 FAQ.
The Apple Watch won’t receive many new features in the EU this year, as Siri AI isn’t available here, meaning the Apple Intelligence update won’t be coming to watchOS. Nevertheless, there are some new features worth considering. In addition, many questions remain about the new Apple Watch software, which we answer in detail in our watchOS 27 FAQ below.
When will watchOS 27 be available?
We can be brief about this question: watchOS 26 for Apple Watch will be released later this fall expected. Developers and registered users can download a new test version via developer.apple.com. Public testers can get started via beta.apple.com
Can you downgrade the beta of watchOS 27
Until now, it has always been the case that you could not uninstall a watchOS beta. You will then have to wait until the official version is released and then you can uninstall future betas. Apple makes no exception for the public testers, so keep in mind that you have a watchOS beta not can reverse.
Which Apple Watch models support watchOS 27?
This may be the biggest disappointment for many Apple Watch users, as Apple has decided to no longer support a significant number of models. This means you can install watchOS 27 on the following Apple Watch models:
- Apple Watch SE 3rd generation
- Apple Watch series 9
- Apple Watch series 10
- Apple Watch series 11
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
In practice, this means that the Apple Watch SE 2nd generation, Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Series 6, 7 and 8 can no longer be updated.
Does the Apple Watch also get Apple Intelligence?
Along with watchOS 27, Apple also added smart features to the Apple Watch that use Apple Intelligence. However, an iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 (Plus), iPhone 15 Pro (Max) or newer with Siri AI is required. The Apple Intelligence functions work together with this iPhone and therefore not independently on the Apple Watch. The smart functions have been limited to extensions for Workout Buddy (not in Dutch) and Siri AI.
How does Siri AI work on an Apple Watch?
Siri has been completely redesigned and runs on Apple Intelligence, so you can ask open-ended questions, converse naturally and also ask follow-up questions. With the Siri app you can easily start a conversation, view history and continue on another Apple device. In addition, Siri AI has access to your personal data such as notes, emails and messages to extract relevant information.
Does Siri AI work on an Apple Watch in the EU?
Siri AI will not be available on the iPhone or iPad in the EU, as the EU considers these Apple devices as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act. The regulations require Apple to offer other virtual assistants the same access to personal data and app controls as Siri AI, something that is not desirable for privacy and security reasons.
As for the Apple Watch, theoretically Siri AI could function there, as these devices fall outside the regulations. However, Apple requires a paired iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence or Siri AI for the feature to work on the Apple Watch. Since this support is lacking on iPhones in the EU, Siri AI on watchOS 27 will not be available to European users, despite the Apple Watch itself being compatible. For more information about Siri AI in the EU, see the article below.
How does the new tapping gesture work?
With watchOS 27, Apple introduces a handy tapping gesture, where you tap your index finger and thumb together once to select a widget in the Smart Stack. This allows you to open a widget more quickly without touching the screen. When combined with existing gesture controls, the Apple Watch becomes significantly more accessible, especially in situations where direct touch is inconvenient.
What watch faces have been added to watchOS 27?
This year, strangely enough, there are no new dials added and existing versions have not been updated either. Apple may introduce new watch faces in conjunction with the new Apple Watch models scheduled for the fall. Perhaps these will also become available on older models.
What is the dynamic app suggestion screen?
The app screen in watchOS 27 gets a dynamic grid that automatically pushes forward apps that you probably need, such as recently used apps and apps suggested by Siri. The Siri app is central as standard, so that you always have direct access to your AI assistant. At the time of writing, it is not yet clear how this functions without Siri AI. In the current version of watchOS 27, Siri Ai is not yet active, not even in the US. The dynamic app screen already works and shows a standard app in the middle with suggestions around it, this version may soon also be available in the EU.
Will I soon be able to use all functions on my Apple Watch?
Unfortunately, not all features are available on all Apple Watch models that support watchOS 27. For example, some new features are exclusive to the latest generations of Apple Watch. In a separate article we list all the features that are not available on all Apple Watch models that support watchOS 27.
watchOS 27 tips
We will share more information about watchOS 27 for Apple Watch in the coming weeks. As you have come to expect from us, we will explain all new functions, options and possibilities in detail in our tips, manuals and explanation articles.
You can find all watchOS 27 tips here. Do you have any questions about the new Apple Watch software? Then don’t hesitate and ask them in the comments below.
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