Apple Releases watchOS 27.0 with AI-Powered Siri and Smarter Apple Watch Features
Apple has released watchOS 27.0, bringing a major set of updates to compatible Apple Watch models. The update, identified by build number 24R364, is available as a free download through the Settings app on Apple Watch.
The update is compatible with Apple Watch Series 9 and later, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, and Apple Watch SE 3. In some regions, the update may take a little longer to appear because of temporary server cache delays.
Siri Gets Smarter with Apple Intelligence
The biggest update in watchOS 27 is expanded Siri AI support. The new Siri experience is designed to better understand personal context, recognize what is displayed on screen, interact with apps, and answer a broader range of questions.
Apple is also introducing a standalone Siri app for Apple Watch. Users can continue existing conversations or start new ones, while conversation history can be privately synced across Apple devices through iCloud.
The new Siri voice experience is designed to sound more natural and expressive, with additional options for speech style and speed. These features rely on on-device models running through a paired compatible iPhone and will be rolled out gradually.
More Apple Intelligence Features
Apple Intelligence is also expanding into additional apps and services.
Workout Buddy can provide more personalized training insights and encouragement. When the Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular service, some Workout Buddy features can work even when the paired iPhone is not nearby.
The Phone app also gains more contextual assistance. For example, when calling certain businesses, the system may retrieve useful information such as verification codes or reservation numbers from other apps.
New Siri Watch Face and Smarter Smart Stack
watchOS 27 introduces a new Siri Modular watch face. It uses rectangular complications and can mirror relevant Smart Stack widgets, showing information based on the user’s current context.
The Smart Stack is also becoming more proactive. Suggested widgets may appear for situations such as:
- Showing a parked car location
- Reminding users about a contact’s birthday
- Displaying changes to a transit card balance
- Opening the Noise app after detecting a high-noise environment
A new one-handed pinch gesture lets users select widgets by pinching their index finger and thumb, which could be useful when the other hand is occupied.
Health and Fitness Improvements
Cycle Tracking now includes perimenopause-related notifications. Users aged 40 and above may receive alerts when changes in their menstrual cycle could be associated with perimenopause.
The Workout app has also received several improvements. Treadmill distance calculations are now more accurate from the first step of a walking or running session, while the Fitness app can provide more accurate route maps after workouts.
Other Changes in watchOS 27
The update also includes several system-level improvements:
- A dynamic app grid that prioritizes frequently used and recently opened apps
- A unified Find My app for people, devices, and items
- Faster media playback startup
- Offline support for Shazam and Music Recognition
- Automatic suggestions to enable power-saving features
- Improved readability through a refined Liquid Glass interface
- More even refraction and higher contrast across the system design
Power-saving suggestions may reduce or disable some functions, including gestures, workout-start reminders, and Raise to Speak for Siri, to extend battery life.
Compatible iPhone Requirements
Siri AI and other Apple Intelligence features on watchOS 27 require a compatible iPhone. Supported models include the iPhone 15 Pro series, iPhone Air, and all iPhone 16, iPhone 17, and iPhone 18 models.
Users with a compatible Apple Watch can install the update by opening Settings → General → Software Update on the watch.
