watchOS 27 Brings Siri AI, Dynamic App Grid to Apple Watch

Apple unveiled watchOS 27 during its recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), bringing significant enhancements to the Apple Watch experience. The upcoming operating system update, scheduled for release this fall, introduces Siri AI, a core component of Apple Intelligence, alongside a redesigned dynamic app grid and refined health and fitness tracking features. However, the new OS will be exclusive to Apple Watch Series 9 models and newer, including the Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and SE 3, leaving older devices unsupported.

The most prominent addition is the integration of Siri AI, the advanced iteration of Apple’s virtual assistant. This new Siri experience includes a dedicated app designed to centralize all user conversations. Users can initiate chats with the chatbot directly on their wrist or continue interactions started on their iPhone. Siri AI is also capable of performing in-app actions, such as managing music playback, composing emails, or setting new Activity ring goals, streamlining user interaction without requiring extensive navigation.

New Features and Compatibility

The watchOS 27 update introduces a dynamic app grid that intelligently surfaces Siri-suggested applications. The Siri app itself is positioned at the center of this grid, surrounded by frequently used and recently accessed apps, facilitating quicker access. For fitness enthusiasts, the Workout Buddy feature, an AI-powered personal trainer introduced in watchOS 26, receives new insights. These enhancements offer a more detailed analysis of pace, distance, and workout duration, alongside improved run tracking for both outdoor and treadmill sessions. Workout Buddy, which initially launched in English, will also expand its language support to Spanish with this update.

In addition to fitness tracking, watchOS 27 enhances menstrual health support by introducing notifications for logged cycle patterns that may suggest perimenopause. The update also includes general system improvements, such as enhanced Smart Stack widgets, faster music playback, optimized battery performance, and a more efficient Find My app for device location. A new gesture allows users to select widgets in the Smart Stack by performing a pinch gesture with their index finger and thumb.

The release of watchOS 27 follows last year’s watchOS 26, which marked a shift in Apple’s operating system naming convention to align with the upcoming year. Last year's update, rolled out in September 2025, introduced Apple’s Liquid Glass design language and features like a wrist-flick gesture for dismissing notifications and AI-powered fitness capabilities.

The integration of advanced AI features like Siri AI into watchOS signifies Apple's broader strategy to embed artificial intelligence across its product ecosystem. This move aims to provide more personalized and context-aware assistance to users, enhancing the utility and intelligence of devices like the Apple Watch. Apple's commitment to expanding AI capabilities, as demonstrated with Apple Intelligence, suggests a future where devices offer more proactive and intuitive user experiences.

The availability of Siri AI requires users to pair their Apple Watch with an Apple Intelligence-enabled device. Apple has noted that Siri AI will not be immediately available for iOS and iPadOS devices in the European Union due to regulatory considerations. The beta launch for Siri AI is expected later this year, with the full release accompanying watchOS 27 this fall.

This year's updates come amidst significant personnel changes within Apple's wearable division. Jay Blahnik, instrumental in developing the Apple Watch's fitness tracking features, stepped down in April 2026. Additionally, Stan Ng, head of Health and Apple Watch marketing, retired in April after a 31-year tenure with the company. These transitions occurred as Apple continues to innovate and refine its smartwatch offerings.