Rumor

Siri AI leaves older Apple Watches behind without a clear reason

AppleInsider • Fri, 19 Jun 2026

Apple's latest explanation for Siri AI on Apple Watch identifies which models support the feature, but it still doesn't explain why older watches are excluded despite requiring a nearby Apple Intelligence -enabled iPhone. Apple Watch Series 11 A June 19 interview with TechRadar offered Apple's first public response to questions about the cutoff. Apple Watch and Health Product Marketing Manager Cait Dooley said Siri AI and other watchOS 27 features work best on newer hardware. Apple specifically pointed to Apple Watch Series 9 and later models, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later models, and Apple Watch SE 3. WWDC 2026 introduced Siri AI as part of watchOS 27. The feature requires both a supported Apple Watch and a nearby Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, with support beginning on Apple Watch Series 9 . Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

What happened?

Story details

Apple Watch Series 11 A June 19 interview with TechRadar offered Apple's first public response to questions about the cutoff.

Apple Watch and Health Product Marketing Manager Cait Dooley said Siri AI and other watchOS 27 features work best on newer hardware.

Why it matters

This page keeps Apple rumors separate from official updates, so readers can follow early reports without confusing them with confirmed announcements.

Original source

https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/06/19/siri-ai-leaves-older-apple-watches-behind-without-a-clear-reason?utm_source=rss

Related coverage

These are my favorite MagSafe accessories for iPhone

There’s a robust ecosystem of MagSafe accessories for iPhone on the market, and these are some of my favorites.

iPhone 18 Pro: Six new features are coming this fall

This fall’s iPhone 18 lineup will bring a brand new ‘iPhone Ultra’ foldable , but the most popular models will no doubt be the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Here are six new features rumored for iPhone 18 Pro.

Apple Explains Why watchOS 27 Drops Support for So Many Models

Apple today detailed why five Apple Watch models will miss out on watchOS 27 and the new Siri AI features that come with it. The Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, SE 2, and the original Apple Watch Ultra will not receive watchOS 27 , and will only get basic security updates going forward. With the update, Apple is effectively dropping three years' worth of device support in a single software update, which is unprecedented for the product line. Speaking to TechRadar , Cait Dooley, Apple Watch and Health product marketing manager, said performance requirements were behind the cutoff: With every software release across every single one of our platforms, we always want to ensure that you have the best experience, so we make power and performance a priority. The great new features in watchOS, including the capabilities of Siri AI and the new tap gesture, work best with the processing power that is in Apple Watch Series 9 and later, Ultra 2 and later, and SE 3. Dooley added that older watches paired with an iPhone running the latest software will keep working and will continue to receive security updates. David Clark, senior director of watchOS software engineering, said one of the goals of &zwnj;watchOS 27&zwnj; was to "expand the intelligence story on Apple Watch and make it a true co-partner to Apple Intelligence ." He described the watch as often "the most convenient way to interact with &zwnj;Siri&zwnj;," since it's on the wrist all day and useful for quick questions when hands are full: We really wanted to make sure the Siri experience is a singular and consistent experience, whether I decide to ask Siri on my wrist a question, or whether I have my phone in my hand and I decide to interact with Siri there. We really wanted to feel like it's one Siri, that has access to your data and is able to personalize it in a consistent way. Clark used the example of asking &zwnj;Siri&zwnj; on Apple Watch for a recipe's ingredients while grocery shopping with both hands full, then later pulling up the same list on the iPhone in an easier-to-read format. He called that handoff a "superpower." &zwnj;watchOS 27&zwnj; is currently available in beta to developers, with a public beta expected next month ahead of official release in the fall. Related Roundups: watchOS 26 , watchOS 27 Related Forum: Apple Watch This article, " Apple Explains Why watchOS 27 Drops Support for So Many Models " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

iPhone factory right back in the spotlight as India opens new contamination probe

After a conflict between guards and farmers nearly ended in violence, Tata's Indian iPhone factory is now facing health authority accusations of contamination. Tata's iPhone component production facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India. Image Credit: Tata Early on June 15, 2026 , India's Tamil Nadu Pollution Board (TNPCB) was reportedly threatening to force a shutdown of Tata's iPhone plant. It followed a series of inspections that reportedly found contaminated wastewater had reached local wells. Tata was also accused of failing to respond to the TNPCB's complaints, but then on June 16 , the case was dropped. Tata said first that its independent study showed it was following regulations, and then that the India regulator had now "dropped any further course of action on this issue." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums