Full Breakdown
WatchOS 27: New Features and How They Work
By Drooid · · How we work
What’s New in WatchOS 27
Apple’s latest operating system for the Apple Watch introduces several upgrades aimed at making the device more conversational, efficient, and customizable. The update arrives alongside iOS 27 for iPhone, and users must install the iPhone update before upgrading the watch. The new features include an AI-enhanced Siri, a dynamic app grid, a Siri-focused watch face, streamlined Smart Stack navigation, and the ability to access custom Wallet passes directly from the watch.
AI-Powered Siri on the Wrist
The most prominent addition is Siri AI, which replaces the previous voice assistant with a more capable, context-aware model. Users can invoke Siri by saying “Hey, Siri,” pressing the Digital Crown, or tapping the Siri icon on the new Siri Modular watch face. Beyond simple commands, the assistant can handle multi-step requests—such as checking the weather, reviewing the calendar, suggesting an optimal time for an outdoor workout, and adding the activity to the schedule—all in a single interaction. Lance Whitney, a writer covering the update, reports that the AI version feels “more thorough and capable” than earlier iterations.
Redesigned Home Screen and Widget Access
WatchOS 27 replaces the static Home screen with a dynamic app grid that automatically displays the five most frequently or recently used apps, placing the Siri app at the center. Pressing the Digital Crown now opens this grid, while a swipe or additional crown turn reveals the full app list. Whitney notes that the change required an adjustment period but ultimately provides quicker access to preferred apps.
The Smart Stack, introduced in WatchOS 26, now lets users select a widget with a single tap instead of double-tapping to cycle through items. By double-tapping the thumb and index finger, the stack opens, and a subsequent tap chooses the desired widget.
Wallet Passes on the Watch
With iOS 27, users can create custom passes in the iPhone’s Wallet app. WatchOS 27 extends this capability, allowing those passes to be opened and displayed on the watch, complete with scannable barcodes. This streamlines access to tickets, loyalty cards, and other digital credentials without needing the phone.
Upgrading to WatchOS 27
To install the update, users should first update their iPhone to iOS 27. Then, either open the Watch app on the iPhone (General -> Software Update) or go to Settings -> General -> Software Update on the watch itself and select the option to upgrade. Once installed, the new features become available immediately.
