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watchOS 27 upgrade coming to Apple Watch this month

read original get Apple Watch Series 11 → more articles
Why This Matters

watchOS 27 arrives September 14, putting a more capable Siri AI directly on the wrist with its own app and cross-device conversation syncing — a step toward making the watch less dependent on the iPhone. But the update also drops familiar features like Walkie-Talkie and the double-click Digital Crown multitasking shortcut, and it reworks navigation around a dynamic app grid. Support is limited to Series 9 and later, Ultra 2 and later, and the SE 3.

Key Takeaways
Worth a Look

Apple Watch Series 11 — If you want watchOS 27's new Siri app, dynamic app grid, and Workout Buddy upgrades running on the latest hardware, the Apple Watch Series 11 is the natural pick. It's the newest mainstream model, so it's ready for the September 14 update and future ones too.

See Apple Watch Series 11 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.

watchOS 27 is coming this month, and now we have an official release date. Apple says we can expect the Apple Watch software update on Monday, September 14. The Apple Watch software update brings Siri AI, new ways to launch apps, and more changes to the device.

Siri AI is the biggest addition, giving Apple Watch a dedicated Siri app and a more capable assistant for answering questions. Conversations also sync across supported Apple devices.

As I wrote last week, Siri AI had a rough summer in beta, but watchOS 27 beta 8 brought a major improvement in my testing. Everyday requests finally felt responsive again, while broader knowledge questions made the watch more useful without always requiring the iPhone.

However, watchOS 27 also removes some familiar features. Walkie-Talkie is gone, and double-clicking the Digital Crown no longer provides its previous multitasking shortcut.

Pressing the Digital Crown now opens a dynamic app grid with suggested apps and Siri. The full app launcher remains available, but takes another step to reach.

Other additions include a unified Find My app, expanded Smart Stack suggestions, and improvements to Workout Buddy.

watchOS 27 supports Apple Watch Series 9 and later, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, and Apple Watch SE 3.

Read more in our roundup of new watchOS 27 features.

You can also learn about the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 here.

Catch up on all the Apple news around today’s event here.