Apple revealed at its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 9 that watchOS 27 will support only Apple Watch Series 10 and above, Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and 3, and Apple Watch SE 3. Earlier models including Series 6, 7, 8, original Ultra, and SE 2 will not be supported, marking a significant drop in backwards compatibility [1, 2, 3, 4]. There is some disagreement about the Series 9 Apple Watch; some sources say the Series 9 is unsupported, while Apple later updated to confirm it will be supported by watchOS 27 [1, 2, 3, 4].
Alongside the device drops, watchOS 27 adds upgraded Siri AI, a new dynamic app grid with single-tap gestures, and enhanced health and fitness features including improved period tracking and workout insights [1, 4]. The developer beta 1 of watchOS 27 removed the Walkie-Talkie feature from supported devices [5].
On the iPad side, iPadOS 27 drops support for several M1-powered models, specifically the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation iPad Air, as well as the 8th generation iPad. The update will require iPad Pro models 4th generation 12.9-inch or above, or 2nd generation 11-inch or above [1].
In contrast, iOS 27 will keep supporting iPhones as old as the iPhone 11, launched in 2019 [1, 2].
Lifehacker highlighted the rapid device drop, noting the Series 9 Apple Watch was released less than three years ago and remains fully capable, as Apple typically iterates watch hardware slowly [2].
Apple plans to release watchOS 27, iOS 27, and iPadOS 27 to the public in fall 2026 with these new device support restrictions and feature updates [1, 2, 4].
