Apple has announced watchOS 27, the latest version of its smartwatch operating system, introducing a major upgrade centered on an AI-powered Siri experience. The announcement was made during the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2026), where Apple showcased new software updates across its ecosystem.
The headline feature of watchOS 27 is Siri AI, a redesigned version of Apple’s virtual assistant powered by Apple Intelligence. The new Siri offers more natural conversations, improved contextual awareness, and the ability to handle complex requests across Apple devices. Apple says users will be able to ask follow-up questions, search personal information such as notes and messages, and receive more relevant assistance directly from their wrist.
watchOS 27 also introduces a dedicated Siri app on the Apple Watch, allowing conversations to seamlessly sync across compatible Apple devices. The assistant can provide contextual information during tasks and phone calls, making interactions faster and more intuitive.
Beyond Siri, Apple is expanding health and wellness capabilities within watchOS 27. The update includes enhanced fitness insights, new health-monitoring features, and deeper integration with Apple’s broader ecosystem of AI-powered services. Apple says these additions are designed to transform the Apple Watch from a simple fitness tracker into a more proactive and personalized health companion.
However, the new software comes with stricter hardware requirements. Apple confirmed that watchOS 27’s AI features require newer-generation chips, meaning several older Apple Watch models will not be eligible for the upgrade. The company says the move is necessary to support the advanced on-device intelligence capabilities introduced with the update.
Developer beta versions of watchOS 27 are available immediately, while a public beta is expected in July. The final release is scheduled for the fall of 2026 alongside Apple’s broader software lineup.
Industry analysts view watchOS 27 as a significant step in Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy, bringing advanced AI features directly to wearable devices and intensifying competition with rival smartwatch platforms from Google and Samsung.