Why Apple Watch Ultra won't get the watchOS 27 update
What's the story
Apple has clarified the reason behind its decision to exclude five of its popular Apple Watch models from the upcoming watchOS 27 update. The devices in question are the Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, SE (2nd generation), and the original Ultra model. They will only receive basic security updates after this update.
Shift in support
Performance requirements led to this decision
With the upcoming watchOS 27 update, Apple is taking a major step by cutting three years of device support with one software update. This is a first for the product line. Cait Dooley, Apple's Watch and Health product marketing manager, explained that performance requirements were behind this decision. She said the new features in watchOS work best with the processing power found in newer models like Series 9 and Ultra 2 or later.
Continued support
Older models will keep working with latest iOS
Despite the exclusion from watchOS 27, older Apple Watch models will keep working as usual when paired with an iPhone running the latest software. They will also continue to receive security updates, Dooley confirmed. David Clark, Senior Director of watchOS Software Engineering, said one of the goals of watchOS 27 was to make it a true co-partner with Apple Intelligence.
Siri integration
Making Siri experience consistent across devices
David Clark, senior director of watchOS software engineering, emphasized that they wanted the Siri experience on Apple Watch to be consistent with that on iPhone. He 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 idea is to make interactions seamless across devices, giving users the same personalized experience no matter which device they're using.