Apple has officially introduced watchOS 27, the next major software update for Apple Watch, at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. This update brings a host of new features, including a Siri AI experience powered by Apple Intelligence, expanded fitness and health tools, interface refinements, and additional parental control capabilities. The update will be available this fall for supported Apple Watch models paired with an iPhone running iOS 27.
Key Features of watchOS 27
The most significant addition is Siri AI, a new version of Apple's voice assistant that leverages Apple Intelligence to support more natural conversations, provide richer responses, understand personal context, and perform actions across apps. Users can ask open-ended questions, retrieve information from notes and messages, manage playlists, send emails, and access travel details directly from their watch. A dedicated Siri app stores conversations in one place, enabling users to continue interactions across Apple devices and pin frequently used chats.
Other notable features include a new single-tap gesture to open Smart Stack widgets, enhanced Smart Stack with contextual suggestions, improved Workout Buddy capabilities with insights based on pace, distance, workout duration, and fitness history, and support for perimenopause and menopause tracking in the Cycle Tracking feature. The Find My app is simplified into a single map-focused interface, and the Wallet app now supports custom passes from QR codes and barcodes.
Compatible Apple Watch Models
watchOS 27 will be compatible with Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. Users will need an iPhone 11 or later, or iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), running iOS 27. Some features, including Siri AI, require an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone and will initially be available in supported languages, with broader availability over time.
Interface and Design Changes
The app grid on Apple Watch is updated with a new dynamic layout that automatically highlights Siri-suggested apps, including recently used and frequently accessed applications. The Liquid Glass interface receives updates to improve readability and contrast. A new feature called Call Context surfaces relevant information during phone calls, such as flight details or confirmation codes from Mail when calling an airline.
Additional Improvements
Smaller enhancements include faster music playback, Fitness app step-count synchronisation with the Health app, battery optimisation recommendations, and improved motion-tracking algorithms for more accurate distance measurements during indoor treadmill workouts. Workout Buddy now works without an iPhone nearby and gains Spanish language support.
The Health app's Cycle Tracking feature now supports perimenopause and menopause, providing notifications when logged cycle patterns suggest possible perimenopause and allowing users to track related symptoms.
For indoor runners and walkers, improved motion-tracking algorithms deliver more accurate distance measurements during treadmill workouts.
The Find My experience is simplified by combining Find Devices, Find People, and Find Items into a single app with a map-focused interface.
Other design changes include updates to Apple's Liquid Glass interface, which improves readability and contrast across the system.
A new feature called Call Context will surface relevant information during phone calls. For example, when calling an airline, Apple Watch may display related flight details or confirmation codes from Mail.
Apple has also made several smaller improvements, including faster music playback, Fitness app step-count synchronisation with the Health app, and battery optimisation recommendations.
The Wallet app is gaining support for custom passes created from QR codes and barcodes, allowing users to store items such as membership cards and library cards directly on Apple Watch.
