No watchOS 27? No Problem. Your Apple Watch Still Works With iOS 27
Apple's decision to drop watchOS 27 support for five Apple Watch models – the Series 6, 7, 8, SE 2, and the original Ultra – likely caused some hand-wringing at this year's WWDC. The software's compatibility list cuts off three years of devices in one update. Fortunately, Apple today confirmed that unsupported watches will still work with iOS 27 when it's released in the fall.
Speaking to TechRadar, Apple Watch and Health product marketing manager Cait Dooley said: "Older devices can still be paired with iPhones that are running the latest software and continue to receive security updates, so they can continue to have a great Apple Watch experience."
In other words: no watchOS 27, no Siri AI, and no new tap gesture – but also no bricked watch. Your Series 7 will still track workouts, deliver notifications, and pair happily with an iPhone on iOS 27.
Of course, anyone with an Apple Watch Series 9 and later, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, or Apple Watch SE 3 will get the watchOS 27 update, and its included new features will be available on their wrist.
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