WatchOS27 why was the Apple Watch Ultra left off the update?
goulart66
User level: Level 1 (8 points)
User level: Level 1 (8 points)Why was the Apple Watch Ultra left off the watchOS 27 update
Posted on Sep 15, 2026 2:52 PM
3 replies
Carol B.
User level: Level 7 (22,975 points)
User level: Level 7 (22,975 points)Sep 15, 2026 4:20 PM in response to goulart66
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later can be updated to Watch OS27, but not older units. This is a user to user community forum. We cannot answer the "why" behind Apple's decisions. But it is likely a hardware compatibility issue.
Jeff Donald
User level: Level 9 (64,078 points)
User level: Level 9 (64,078 points)Sep 15, 2026 6:33 PM in response to goulart66
The Watch’s hardware does not support the changes in Watch OS 27. This is typical for Apple Watches. Their update lifespan is on average 4years, with two models going longer and two models having slightly shorter lifespans. I’m an Ultra owner too and while disappointing, it is what it is and it still does everything it did when I bought it 4 years ago.
Ingo2711
User level: Level 10 (93,009 points)
User level: Level 10 (93,009 points)Sep 16, 2026 12:02 AM in response to goulart66
Every Apple Watch having the S9, S10, or S11 chip can be upgraded to watchOS 27.
It seems, only those processors can handle the new Apple Intelligence features, if paired to the supported iPhone model.
How to get the next generation of Apple Intelligence - Apple Support
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256357610