watchOS 27: Apple releases update with new Siri and 12 changes

Apple released watchOS 27 on September 14 for compatible Apple Watch models. The update brings a standalone Siri app, a redesigned app grid and more accurate activity tracking.

To install it, open the Watch app on an iPhone, select General → Software Update, place the watch on its charger and follow the onscreen instructions. The changes are not limited to Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4; they are available on supported models.

Siri gets a standalone app

Siri now keeps conversations in one view and syncs them privately across devices through iCloud. Users can start a conversation on an iPhone and continue it on Apple Watch, pin it or begin a new chat from the wrist.

A new Siri watch face shows the top Smart Stack item in a rectangular complication. Its content changes automatically according to the time, location and other factors.

Navigation and gesture changes

Pressing the Digital Crown now opens a dynamic grid of suggested, frequently used and recently used apps by default. The alphabetical list remains available through the Digital Crown.

watchOS 27 adds Tap, a gesture in which touching the index finger and thumb opens the highlighted Smart Stack widget. Double Tap and Wrist Flick retain their previous functions.

Double-pressing the Digital Crown now opens the dynamic app grid rather than the App Switcher. The gesture has been assigned to the upcoming Live Rewind feature, which will create a transcript of the previous 15 seconds of surrounding speech on Series 12 and Ultra 4.

The App Switcher is due to return with watchOS 27.2 later this year, using a different gesture. In the current beta, users can open it by long-pressing the bottom of the app currently in use.

Walkie-Talkie removed

Walkie-Talkie is unavailable after the update and cannot be reinstalled from the App Store. Users who stay on watchOS 26 can keep it, but they cannot start a conversation with a contact who has upgraded to watchOS 27.

Find Devices, Find Items and Find People have been combined into one Find My app with a map-focused layout, navigation shortcuts and nearby-item search.

Workout and health features

Workout Buddy can run without an iPhone nearby in watchOS 27 when Wi-Fi or cellular service is available. It also uses workout history to track changes in pace, distance and duration, and now supports Spanish alongside English.

Cycle Tracking can notify users aged 40 and older when their logged patterns suggest perimenopause. Apple says the feature is not birth control and does not provide a diagnosis.

New machine-learning algorithms measure indoor workout distance more accurately from the first step. Apple also says route maps are more precise and step counts now remain synchronized between the Fitness and Health apps.

On Series 12 and Ultra 4, a redesigned pedometer model and the S11 chip improve step-count accuracy. Those models also receive a real-time Steps complication; Apple has not said whether it will come to older devices.