watchOS 27: All the New Features for the Apple Watch in the Latest Update

Siri AI and Hardware Requirements

The most significant new feature is the integration of Siri AI, which brings several advanced functions from the iPhone to your wrist. Thanks to this feature, the assistant can search the internet, access personal user data, and perform specific actions within apps. To use these features, the watch must be paired with an iPhone 15 Pro or later model running Apple Intelligence. A dedicated Siri app is also being introduced, allowing users to view and manage their conversation history.

User Interface and Visual Improvements

Navigation has been updated with a dynamic app grid controlled via the Digital Crown. This user interface puts the Siri app front and center and features a section for app suggestions based on recent and most frequent usage. To enhance the reading experience, Apple has updated its Liquid Glass technology, optimizing light refraction and contrast to ensure better visibility in various lighting conditions.

Fitness and Health Monitoring

The “Workout Buddy” feature has been separated from the iPhone and can now be used as a standalone tool. The fitness tracking features for running have been expanded to include progressive metrics for pace, duration, and distance. As for health monitoring, period tracking now includes detection and notifications for perimenopause and menopause. Additionally, the system has been optimized to provide more accurate metrics during treadmill workouts.

Accessibility and Utilities

Apple has introduced a new input method that allows users to interact with Smart Stack widgets using a single touch between their index finger and thumb. The Smart Stack itself now includes expanded suggestions for transit tickets, pinned messages, and noise level notifications.

The utility suite is further enhanced by a unified “Find My” app that uses “Precision Finding” for the AirTag 2, AirPods Pro 3, and iPhones. Users also see context-aware information during phone calls—such as flight data provided by airlines—and can now use custom Wallet passes synced from their iPhone.

Power Management and Compatibility

To extend battery life, watchOS 27 optimizes power consumption by disabling low-utility features, such as “Raise to Speak” and certain workout reminders. The update is designed for modern hardware and supports the Apple Watch Series 9 and later, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, and the Apple Watch SE 3.