Apple releases watchOS 27 with new customization options

Apple released watchOS 27 on September 14. The update brings new customization options and features for Apple Watch users. Owners of supported models can install it through the Watch app on their iPhone. The update is not limited to the newest Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4 models. Many older devices remain eligible for the software update. Users can check for the update by opening the Watch app. They must strap the watch to a charger during installation. Onscreen prompts guide the process from start to finish.macrumors.com

The dedicated Siri app is now available on Apple Watch. This app collects every conversation in a single view. It syncs them privately across devices over iCloud. Users can ask something on their iPhone and pick up the thread on their Apple Watch. Conversations can be pinned if they are worth keeping. A new chat can also be started directly from the wrist. The Siri app sits in the middle of the dynamic app grid that replaces the default honeycomb view. The alphabetical list of apps remains available for navigation.9to5mac.com

What changes arrive in the update

The Dynamic App Grid shows suggested apps and recently used ones. Pressing the Digital Crown no longer produces the honeycomb view by default. The alphabetical list remains available by turning the Digital Crown. The Siri app occupies the central position in this new grid. This layout changes how users access their applications on the watch. Navigation now relies on scrolling through suggested content first. The classic honeycomb view is no longer the default option. Users accustomed to the old view must adjust to this change. The new grid highlights most frequently used applications prominently.

A new Tap gesture has been added to Apple Watch. It joins Double Tap and Wrist Flick as a control method. A single tap of the index finger and thumb opens the highlighted widget. This action works within the Smart Stack interface. Users can still navigate the Smart Stack with Double Tap. Notifications can be dismissed using the Wrist Flick gesture. The Tap gesture provides an alternative way to interact with widgets. It offers quick access to selected items without opening them fully. The gesture is available on supported Apple Watch models running the update.macrumors.com

The Modular watch face gains thirteen new color options. These colors include Olive, Burgundy, Sand, and Magenta. Other available colors are Pale Succulent, Wildflower Blue, and Navy Blue. Users can also find Light Umber, Chambray Blue, and Limestone. Camel, Sage, and Mulberry are also included in the list. Customization happens in the Color screen during face editing. Previous colors can be added by scrolling to the bottom of the menu. This update makes the popular Modular face even more versatile. It remains a go-to choice for users wanting deep customization.

How the new face works

Complications are available for Daily Steps, Heart Rate, and Readiness. These new complications are exclusive to Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12 models. They come in multiple sizes for the watch face. Users can track key health metrics directly from their display. The complications integrate with the modular design of the face. They update automatically based on current user data. This feature enhances the utility of the watch face. Health enthusiasts can monitor vital signs without opening separate apps. The availability is limited to the latest hardware models only.

Workout Buddy no longer needs an iPhone within range. Introduced in watchOS 26, it previously required nearby connectivity. Now the Apple Watch can run it with Wi-Fi or cellular. The feature draws insights from training history. It tracks gradual gains in pace, distance, and workout duration. Workout Buddy now speaks Spanish as well as English. This change allows independent workouts without carrying a phone. Users can access coaching features directly on their wrist. The improvement supports more flexible training routines for athletes.

What was removed

Walkie-Talkie has been deleted from watchOS 27. The app is unavailable after updating and cannot be reinstalled from the App Store. Users can keep the app by staying on watchOS 26. However they cannot start a conversation with contacts who have updated. The feature is completely gone from the new software version. This removal affects users who relied on the functionality. Older devices remain on previous software versions to access it. The decision removes a legacy communication tool from the platform.

Live Rewind is an upcoming feature exclusive to certain models. A double press of the Digital Crown now shows the dynamic app grid. The gesture has been reserved for the Live Rewind feature. It will produce a transcript of the last fifteen seconds of speech. This feature is exclusive to Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. The App Switcher will still be available in watchOS 27.2. Users on beta can open the Switcher by long pressing the app. The release date for the full software update is later this year.

Cycle Tracking in the Health app can notify about perimenopause. It analyzes logged patterns to provide these notifications. The feature includes symptom tracking and educational material. Notifications only draw on logged cycle history. They apply to users aged 40 and over. Apple says the feature is not a birth control method. It is not a diagnosis either. Users receive insights based on their personal health data. The update adds new capabilities to health monitoring tools.

Treadmill distance measurement is now more accurate. New machine learning motion algorithms measure distance precisely. The improvement starts from the first step. Fitness route maps are more accurate too. Step counts stay in sync between the Fitness and Health apps. This change addresses previous discrepancies in tracking data. Users can expect more reliable metrics for indoor workouts. The update enhances the overall accuracy of the device.

Find My is now a single unified application. Find Devices, Find Items, and Find People have been folded together. The app features a map-centric layout. It includes shortcuts for directions and nearby items. This consolidation simplifies the process of locating objects. Users can manage all their items in one place. The update improves the user experience for tracking features. It reduces the need to switch between multiple applications. The new layout is more intuitive for daily use.