Full Breakdown
Apple Leaves First Apple Watch Ultra Without watchOS 27 Support
6/16/2026, 1:52:11 PM
Apple Watch Ultra Excluded from watchOS 27
Apple’s 2022 Apple Watch Ultra, priced at $800, will not receive watchOS 27. The update is limited to devices with the S9 SiP and its four-core Neural Engine; the original Ultra, Series 6-8, and SE 2 lack this hardware and are excluded.
AI-Enhanced Features and Hardware Requirements
watchOS 27 adds AI-enhanced Siri, a “Modular” watch face, longer battery life, faster Wi-Fi, improved sleep tracking, and quicker media playback. These features rely on on-device neural processing unavailable in older chips, prompting Apple to require a Neural Engine starting with the S9 SiP. The developer beta also omits the Walkie-Talkie app, present since 2018.
Device Compatibility and Pricing
- Compatible devices: Apple Watch Series 9 and later (S9 SiP, Neural Engine).
- Incompatible devices: Series 6-8, SE 2, and the 2022 Apple Watch Ultra (no Neural Engine).
- The original Ultra, the first Ultra model released in 2022, costs $800; Ultra 2 also $800, SE 2 $400.
- Only Series 9, Ultra 2, and future Series 12/Ultra 3 will run watchOS 27; older models stay on watchOS 26.
Consequences for Users and Market
The exclusion ends software updates for a four-year-old premium device, removing AI-driven features and potentially lowering resale value. Users may be prompted to upgrade to Ultra 2, the upcoming Ultra 3, or the rumored Series 12, which could boost Apple’s sales.
Apple’s Position on watchOS 27
Apple states watchOS 27 will “enhance all facets of the wearable experience,” highlighting battery, connectivity, sleep, and media improvements. The company has not issued a specific comment on the original Ultra’s exclusion or the future of the Walkie-Talkie app. Apple’s past support for older hardware, such as the iPhone 11 and 2018 HomePod receiving upcoming OS releases, shows a pattern, but no similar assurance has been given for the Ultra.
User Backlash
Reddit users expressed disappointment. One wrote, “There’s nothing Apple is doing that can’t be tweaked or down-clocked that would prevent older watches from running a new OS. We’re not simulating particle collisions on the new OS.” The comment highlights frustration over hardware-driven support limits.
Unclear Walkie-Talkie Status and Support Roadmap
Sources differ on the Walkie-Talkie app’s status: it was removed in the developer beta, but its inclusion in the final release is unclear. Apple’s roadmap does not address the original Ultra’s support status, leaving a communication gap.
User Quote
- “There’s nothing Apple is doing that can’t be tweaked or down-clocked that would prevent [older watches] from running a new OS. We’re not simulating particle collisions on the new OS.” — Reddit user, r/AppleWatch
Future Updates and Upgrade Path
watchOS 27 is slated for fall 2026 on supported devices. Apple may later unveil Ultra 3 and Series 12, which will meet the Neural Engine requirement. The update will also roll out to iPhone and iPad later in 2026. Original Ultra owners will need to consider upgrades.
