Apple has unveiled watchOS 27, introducing an array of system-wide efficiency upgrades, health features and a complete overhaul of its digital assistant, now dubbed Siri AI.
The update marks a major shift in Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy, with the new virtual assistant partially powered by Google’s Gemini AI model. This custom-tailored version of Siri AI is built specifically for smaller screens, leveraging personal context and broad world knowledge to execute tasks on the move. Rather than defaulting to a list of web links, the assistant handles natural, multi-turn conversations. A dedicated Siri AI app unifies past interactions in one place, syncing via iCloud so users can pick up conversations started on an iPhone or Mac. Pressing the Digital Crown reveals a new Dynamic App Grid, highlighting five Siri-suggested apps alongside the new assistant interface.
Navigating the device is also more accessible via an expanded suite of one-handed gestures. Users can double-tap their index finger and thumb to scroll through the Smart Stack, use a new single-tap gesture to select and open a specific widget, and employ a swift wrist flick to return to the primary watch face.
Health monitoring sees a significant update, with the Cycle Tracking framework expanding to support individuals navigating perimenopause and menopause. The on-device software can now log physical symptoms and dispatch automated notifications regarding cycle deviations.
For fitness enthusiasts, the Workout Buddy tool can now operate completely independently of an iPhone, delivering improved motivational guidance by comparing past and present fitness data. This is paired with more accurate, machine-learning-driven distance tracking algorithms for treadmill sessions. The update also streamlines core utilities. A consolidated Find My application merges people, devices and item tracking into a single interface. Meanwhile, the Smart Stack utilizes contextual metadata to surface timely notifications, such as pin-pointing a parked car or displaying a contact’s birthday.
Consumers should note that watchOS 27 introduces a strict hardware cutoff. The software will only be supported on five models: the Apple Watch Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3 and SE 3.
