Apple Watch Siri AI Outperforms Old Version in Early Tests

Apple's latest Siri AI, currently available in the watchOS 27 public beta, has demonstrated a marked improvement over its predecessor, particularly on the Apple Watch. In a series of real-world tests conducted on an Apple Watch Ultra 3 running the beta software, the new Siri provided direct answers to complex queries, whereas the older version, found on an Apple Watch Series 11 running watchOS 26, primarily returned web links. This upgrade addresses a long-standing frustration for users who found the previous Siri's on-wrist capabilities limited and inefficient.

The testing involved installing the iOS 27 public beta on an iPhone and subsequently the watchOS 27 beta on the Apple Watch. The new Siri AI was activated through iPhone settings and confirmed on the watch, while the older Siri remained on the previous OS version for comparison. While both are early beta software, the results suggest a significant leap forward for Apple's voice assistant on wearable devices. The full release of watchOS 27 is anticipated this fall.

One of the first scenarios tested involved a practical query about local transportation: "When's the next ferry from Vallejo to San Francisco?" The original Siri responded with its now-infamous "Here's what I found on the web," a reply that necessitated navigating a small screen to browse web results. In contrast, the new Siri AI directly stated, "The next ferry to San Francisco leaves Vallejo at 4:10 p.m.," offering an immediate and actionable answer. This efficiency is crucial for a device often used for quick, on-the-go information retrieval.

Kitchen Assistance and Sports Data

Another test focused on everyday tasks that users might perform while their hands are occupied, such as cooking. The question, "What ingredients do I need to make buttermilk?" yielded the familiar web search result from the old Siri. The enhanced Siri AI, however, provided a direct recipe explanation: "To make a homemade buttermilk substitute, you need milk and an acid. The standard ratio is 1 tablespoon of acid for every cup of milk." While the term "acid" was somewhat vague, it pointed towards common kitchen ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar, and critically, the new Siri allows for follow-up questions to clarify such details—a capability the older version lacked.

Sports information also proved to be a differentiating factor. When asked, "When's the next World Cup match, and what stadium is it being played in?" the original Siri provided the match timing but omitted the stadium details. The improved Siri AI correctly identified the match and added, "The next World Cup game is France vs. Spain tomorrow at noon PT at AT&T Stadium in Dallas." It even offered to set a reminder, showcasing a more conversational and helpful interaction. A bonus query regarding player substitutions during a specific match further highlighted the new Siri's ability to access and relay detailed context, such as player fatigue and injury status.

The implications of this upgrade extend beyond mere convenience. For users relying on their Apple Watch for real-time information, the difference between a direct answer and a web link can be substantial. The enhanced Siri's contextual understanding and direct response capabilities are expected to make the Apple Watch a more powerful and independent tool. This development is particularly significant as Apple continues to integrate its devices more deeply into users' daily lives, aiming to reduce reliance on other devices for quick information access.

The improvements seen in the watchOS 27 beta suggest that Siri is evolving from a simple voice command tool to a more sophisticated personal assistant. The ability to handle multi-part questions, provide specific data, and maintain conversational context are hallmarks of this progression. As the beta period continues, users and developers alike will be monitoring further enhancements before the official release this fall, which is also expected to coincide with new hardware announcements from Apple.