Apple clarifies watchOS 27 compatibility after initial error, with Series 7-9 and first-gen Ultra losing support.
Apple announced during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026 keynote that the upcoming watchOS 27 update will not support several older Apple Watch models. The company also acknowledged and corrected an initial error regarding the compatibility of the Apple Watch Series 9.
Models Losing Support
Apple has stated that watchOS 27 will not be available for the following models: Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, Series 9, the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, and the second-generation Apple Watch SE. These models will continue to receive security updates.
Retained Compatibility
The following models will support watchOS 27: Apple Watch Series 10, Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3. It was noted that the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which shares the S9 chip with the Series 9, remains on the supported list.
Initial Listing Error
Following the WWDC keynote, the device compatibility list on Apple’s watchOS 27 website initially omitted the Apple Watch Series 9, listing only the Series 10, Series 11, SE 3, Ultra 3, and Ultra 2. Some users reported successfully downloading the watchOS 27 developer beta on their Series 9 watches. Apple later confirmed to 9to5Mac that the omission of the Series 9 was an error in the original listing.
Reasons for Change
In an interview with TechRadar, Apple executives cited performance requirements for the change. Cait Dooley, Apple Watch and Health product marketing manager, stated that new features in watchOS 27, including Siri AI capabilities and a new tap gesture, function best with the processing power of the Apple Watch Series 9 and later, Ultra 2 and later, and SE 3. David Clark, senior director of watchOS software engineering, said the goal of the update is to provide a consistent Siri experience across devices.
Update Timeline
watchOS 27 is currently in its developer beta phase. A public beta is expected next month, with an official public release planned for the fall.