Apple WWDC Shocks with Major Announcements! Full Shift to Autonomous Computing, Older Models Regrettably Discontinued!
Apple Watch: watchOS 27 Debuts with AI Voice, Cutting Off Older Models
At the 2026 WWDC conference, Apple officially unveiled watchOS 27, injecting the most powerful Apple Intelligence and Siri AI core into the Apple Watch to date. This update represents the largest in recent years, focusing on transforming the smartwatch from a mere notification receiver into a proactive personal assistant with deep understanding.
Table of Contents
Core Upgrades: A "Super Brain" on Your Wrist and AI Applications
The new Siri AI boasts powerful conversational capabilities and "personal context understanding," fluently reading user's screen content and daily schedules.
- Context-Aware Assistant: Supports Apple Intelligence, allowing users to converse naturally and verbally. It possesses "contextual understanding" to directly answer queries like "the electronic lock password I last noted in Reminders" or "my driver's license number from my email."
- Standalone Siri App: The watch now features a dedicated Siri app that stores conversation history like a messaging app and syncs via iCloud with iPhone or Mac, enabling seamless cross-device continuity.
- Cross-App Commands: Can directly extract confirmation codes or reservation information from emails and proactively provide relevant context during calls.
Smart Interaction Experience
- Dynamic App Grid: Through AI-powered smart prediction, the watch automatically learns daily routines, arranging the most frequently used or currently needed apps in the most prominent positions.
- One-Handed "Tap Gesture": When both hands are occupied, a simple tap of the index finger and thumb can select, switch, or open various widgets on the watch.
- Smart Stack Evolution: Automatically recommends information based on time and location, such as birthday reminders, parking location alerts, or suggestions to turn off work alarms during holidays.
Fitness, Health, and Life Integration
- Standalone Workout Buddy: Even without an iPhone, the watch can operate independently, analyzing historical data and providing real-time pace and distance recommendations, as well as vocal encouragement.
- Health Monitoring: The women's "Cycle Tracking" feature now includes "perimenopause" and "menopause" support, actively tracking symptoms and alerting users to abnormalities.
- Integrated "Find My" App: Consolidates devices, item trackers, and family locations into a single, intuitive and efficient map view.
- Visual Optimization: Features a "Liquid Glass" design to enhance screen contrast, ensuring text remains clear and readable even in bright outdoor light.
The Cruel Chip Divide: Hardware "Cut-Off" Due to High Computing Demands
To ensure the fluidity of on-device computation and machine learning, watchOS 27 has set an extremely strict chip threshold, effectively "cutting off" older devices not equipped with S9 or S10 or newer processors.
Key Focus: watchOS 27 has set an extremely strict chip threshold, effectively "cutting off" older devices not equipped with S9 or S10 or newer processors.
Compatibility and Discontinued Models Table
| Models Supporting Upgrade | Older Models No Longer Supported |
|---|---|
| Series 9, 10, 11 | Series 6, 7, 8 |
| Ultra 2, Ultra 3 | Ultra (1st Gen) |
| SE (3rd Gen) | SE (2nd Gen) |
Note: Using watchOS 27 also requires an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 27.
Conclusion
The arrival of watchOS 27 undoubtedly propels the Apple Watch to new heights. While the hardware selection process brings some pain, it also signifies that the smartwatch has officially shed its accessory status, fully entering a new era of autonomous on-wrist AI.
Note: The information above is cited from official Apple announcements, media reports, and relevant "watchOS 27 Feature Overview" materials.
