Apple announced watchOS 27 at WWDC 2026 on June 8, 2026. The update drops support for several older Apple Watch models, including the Series 4, Series 5, and the first-generation Apple Watch SE. This aligns with Apple's typical pattern of supporting devices for about five years.
According to Apple's official compatibility list, watchOS 27 is compatible with Apple Watch Series 6 and later, including all Apple Watch Ultra models. The Series 4, introduced in 2018, and the Series 5, from 2019, are no longer supported. The first-generation SE, released in 2020, also loses support.
Users with unsupported models can continue using their current watchOS version but will miss new features and security updates. To upgrade, they would need to purchase a newer Apple Watch model, such as the Series 9 or Series 10, or an Apple Watch Ultra.
