When Apple announced watchOS 27 at its recent Worldwide Developers Conference, one detail that immediately caught the attention of Apple Watch enthusiasts was the list of compatible devices. For the first time in several years, the company is dropping support for multiple older models simultaneously. The affected devices include the Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, the second-generation Apple Watch SE, and the original Apple Watch Ultra. In an interview with a tech publication, Cait Dooley, Apple’s Apple Watch and Health Product Marketing Manager, provided deeper insight into the decision.
According to Dooley, the move is driven by a commitment to delivering the best possible user experience across all supported devices. She emphasized that with each software release, Apple prioritizes power and performance, and this year that meant making some tough choices about which older hardware could handle the new features. The new capabilities in watchOS 27—including a dedicated Siri AI app, a dynamic app grid, and enhanced tap gestures—require the processing power found only in the latest Apple Watch models, specifically the Series 9 and later, Ultra 2 and later, and the third-generation SE.
For users who own one of the five discontinued models, the news is understandably disappointing. The Apple Watch Series 6, launched in 2020, introduced the always-on altimeter and a blood oxygen sensor. The Series 7, released in 2021, brought a larger, more durable display and faster charging. The Series 8, from 2022, added temperature sensing for cycle tracking and crash detection. The second-generation SE, also from 2022, offered a more affordable entry point with many core features. And the original Apple Watch Ultra, released in 2022, was marketed as a rugged device for extreme sports and outdoor exploration. All of these watches are relatively recent, with the oldest being just six years old.
Apple’s typical software support cycle for Apple Watch has historically been around five to six years, which is consistent with the Series 6 being dropped in its sixth year. However, the inclusion of the 2022 models—Series 8, SE (2nd gen), and Ultra 1—means that some devices are losing support after only four years. This shorter support window has raised questions among users and analysts. Dooley explained that it was not an easy decision, but the company felt it was necessary to ensure that every watch running watchOS 27 offers a seamless, high-performance experience. She stressed that older devices will continue to function with iPhones running the latest iOS and will still receive security updates, so they remain usable for basic tasks like notifications, health tracking, and timekeeping.
Background: Apple’s historical approach to Apple Watch compatibility
Apple has periodically trimmed support for older Apple Watch models when introducing major software updates. For instance, watchOS 10 dropped support for the Series 3 and original SE, which had been launched in 2017 and 2020 respectively. watchOS 9 removed support for the Series 2 and Series 3. The pattern suggests that Apple tends to cut off devices when their chips no longer meet the performance requirements for new features. The System in Package (SiP) used in the Apple Watch is crucial; the S9 chip in the Series 9 and later includes a more powerful neural engine that enables on-device processing for Siri AI and advanced gestures.
The dropped models all feature older SiPs: the Series 6 uses the S6, the Series 7 uses the S7, the Series 8 and SE (2nd gen) use the S8, and the Ultra 1 uses the S8. The S9 and newer chips provide a significant leap in machine learning performance, which is essential for the new tap gesture that lets users control the watch without touching the screen—a feature first introduced with the Series 9. The dynamic app grid, which intelligently arranges apps based on usage patterns, also relies on on-device intelligence that older chips cannot efficiently handle.
What watchOS 27 brings to the table
watchOS 27 is packed with new features designed to make the Apple Watch more useful and intuitive. The headliner is Siri AI, which now has a dedicated app on the watch. This allows users to have more natural conversations with Siri, ask complex questions, and even get proactive suggestions based on context. The tap gesture has been enhanced with a double tap that can perform different actions depending on the app, such as answering a call, playing or pausing music, or starting a stopwatch. The workout experience is also improved with the new Workout Buddy feature, which allows friends to monitor each other’s progress in real-time and send encouragement. Additionally, the app grid can now dynamically reorganize itself, putting the most frequently used apps front and center.
These features require the hardware capabilities of the S9 or later chips. For example, the tap gesture uses the machine learning accelerometer and gyroscope to detect the subtle motion of a finger and thumb pinch, and the on-device processing ensures low latency. Siri AI uses the neural engine to run natural language models locally, reducing the need for cloud queries and improving privacy. Without these chips, the experience would be slow or impossible.
What this means for users of older Apple Watch models
Owners of the affected models—Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, SE (2nd gen), and Ultra 1—will not receive the watchOS 27 update. However, Dooley emphasized that these watches remain fully functional. They can still be paired with iPhones running iOS 19 or later, and Apple will continue to provide security updates through the current watchOS 26 branch for a period of time. While they won’t get the new features, they will continue to support existing apps, health tracking, notifications, and most core functions. Users who want the latest capabilities will need to upgrade to a newer model, such as the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, SE (3rd gen), Ultra 2, or Ultra 3.
For those considering an upgrade, the decision may be easier given that the new models offer substantial improvements. The Series 11, expected to launch this fall, will likely include the S11 chip and additional health sensors. The Ultra 3 is rumored to have a larger display and improved battery life. The third-generation SE offers the best value for those who don’t need the most advanced features.
watchOS 27 is currently available in developer beta, with a public beta scheduled for July. A wide release will follow in the fall, typically alongside the launch of new Apple Watch hardware. Developers can start testing their apps against the new APIs now, ensuring a smooth transition when the update goes live.
The decision to drop older models is always a balancing act for Apple. On one hand, it allows them to push the boundaries of what the Apple Watch can do. On the other, it leaves some users behind. By providing a clear explanation and ensuring continued basic support, Apple hopes to manage expectations while encouraging upgrades. As the smartwatch market matures, such trade-offs are likely to become more common, but for now, watchOS 27 represents a significant leap forward for those with compatible devices.
Source: 9to5Mac News