Apple continues to showcase its dedication to enhancing user experience, particularly with its iPhone lineup. During the recent WWDC 2026 keynote, the tech giant revealed that iOS 27 will remain compatible with all devices currently supporting iOS 26, including models dating back to the iPhone 11, launched in 2019. Apple has even optimized the operating system for older devices, ensuring a smoother experience for users.
However, the outlook for Apple Watch enthusiasts is less favorable. The unveiling of the watchOS 27 update introduced exciting features such as an enhanced Siri AI experience, a revamped dynamic apps screen, and a new single-tap gesture. Yet, Apple has not specified which devices will be eligible for this latest operating system.
It appears that Apple may have withheld this information due to the disappointing news that many currently supported Apple Watch models will not receive the watchOS 27 update set to roll out this fall. Unlike the iPhone's extended support, a significant number of relatively recent Apple Watches will miss out on the new features.
Specifically, watchOS 27 will only be available for the Apple Watch Series 10, Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and 3, and the Apple Watch SE 3. This means that support for the Apple Watch Series 6 through Series 9 is being discontinued, along with the original Apple Watch Ultra and the second-generation SE model.
While it's understandable for a company to phase out support for older devices, the exclusion of the Series 9 is particularly surprising, given that it was launched in September 2023. Apple Watches typically have a slower hardware iteration cycle, and even models from a couple of years ago remain efficient for everyday tasks.
This shift in support may prompt users to reconsider their upgrade strategies and could influence future purchasing decisions. As technology evolves, the impact of such changes will likely encourage manufacturers to prioritize longevity and compatibility in their devices, shaping a more sustainable future in wearable technology.
