The first watchOS 27 Public Beta is now available, bringing Apple’s biggest Apple Watch software update of the year to public testers. The release introduces Siri AI, smarter Apple Intelligence-powered features, improved navigation, new gestures, and several upgrades aimed at making the Apple Watch more helpful throughout the day.
The public beta can now be downloaded through the Apple Beta Software Program for compatible Apple Watch models paired with an iPhone running the iOS 27 Public Beta. As with any pre-release software, users should expect occasional bugs and compatibility issues during testing.
Siri AI Comes to Apple Watch
The biggest addition in watchOS 27 is Siri AI, bringing Apple’s next-generation assistant to the wrist for the first time. Powered by Apple Intelligence, Siri AI can answer more complex questions, understand follow-up requests, recognize personal context, and perform actions across supported apps. Users can also start a conversation on iPhone and continue it on Apple Watch using a dedicated Siri app that privately syncs conversation history through iCloud.
Siri AI can help locate information from Mail, Messages, Notes, Calendar, and other supported apps without requiring users to pull out their iPhone. It requires a compatible Apple Watch paired with an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone.
Smart Stack and the App Grid Get Smarter
watchOS 27 introduces a redesigned dynamic app grid that puts Siri at the center while surrounding it with recently used and frequently accessed apps for quicker navigation.
Smart Stack also becomes more proactive by surfacing widgets based on context. It can suggest resuming a Siri conversation, remind users to adjust alarms before upcoming holidays, display a boarding pass at the airport, or recommend Theater Mode when arriving at a concert.
A New Way to Control Apple Watch
Apple is expanding gesture controls with a new one-handed tap gesture.
Working alongside the existing Double Tap feature, users can navigate Smart Stack, select widgets, and return to the watch face without touching the display. Combined with Wrist Flick, the new gesture makes it easier to control Apple Watch when only one hand is available.
Health and Fitness Continue to Improve
Workout Buddy receives Apple Intelligence enhancements that provide more personalized coaching and recognize long-term workout trends, including pace, distance, and workout duration.
Apple has also improved treadmill workout accuracy with updated machine learning models, while Fitness and Health now synchronize step counts more consistently.
Cycle Tracking gains new features for users aged 40 and older, including notifications when logged patterns may suggest perimenopause, along with expanded symptom tracking and educational resources.
More Features Across watchOS 27
The Find My experience has been simplified into a single app for locating compatible Apple devices and accessories, including iPhone, AirTag, and AirPods. Wallet also supports custom passes created on iPhone and lets users pin them to Smart Stack for quicker access.
Apple has refined the Liquid Glass interface with improved contrast, while Music benefits from faster playback performance. The system can also recommend disabling rarely used features to help extend battery life.
Families also receive improved parental controls through Apple Watch For Your Kids, including redesigned Screen Time management, app availability schedules, and better communication controls.
Compatible Apple Watch Models
The watchOS 27 public beta supports the following Apple Watch models:
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Apple Watch SE (3rd generation)
You’ll also need a compatible iPhone running the iOS 27 Public Beta to install the update.
How to Install the watchOS 27 Public Beta
Before installing watchOS 27, update your paired iPhone to the iOS 27 Public Beta.
To install the update:
- Sign in to the Apple Beta Software Program with your Apple Account.
- Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
- Go to My Watch > General > Software Update > Beta Updates.
- Select watchOS 27 Public Beta.
- Return to Software Update and install the available update.
Your Apple Watch should have at least a 50% charge, remain connected to its charger, and stay near your iPhone during installation.
Unlike iPhone, iPad, and Mac beta software, watchOS cannot be downgraded after installation. If you encounter issues, you’ll need to wait for Apple to release a newer beta update.
Apple is expected to continue updating watchOS 27 throughout the summer before the final version launches alongside new Apple Watch models later this year.
