Apple is tightening access to its newest AI features, and the impact is reaching some surprisingly recent Apple Watch models. Several devices that are only three to four years old will not receive the full set of upgrades introduced in watchOS 27.
The change is notable because some of those models were sold at premium prices when they first launched. Apple now appears to be drawing a clear hardware line, leaving only its latest watches eligible for the most advanced Siri AI experience.
Older premium models are left behind
According to KompasTekno, which cited Digital Trends, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra generation one, and Apple Watch SE 2 will not get full support for the new AI features unveiled this year. These models were introduced in 2022, or about four years ago.
By contrast, Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and SE third generation will receive the update. The dividing line is the S9 chip and newer hardware, which Apple uses as the minimum requirement for the AI rollout.
| Model Group | watchOS 27 AI Support |
|---|---|
| Series 8, Ultra generation one, SE 2 | No full support |
| Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, SE third generation | Eligible |
Siri AI is the main reason
One of the key features in Apple’s latest software push is Siri AI. The new assistant is designed to understand context better, work across apps, and use Apple Intelligence to produce more natural responses.
Those capabilities require newer and more powerful hardware, which explains why older Apple Watch models only get part of the watchOS 27 feature set. The newest AI tools are reserved for watches that can handle the heavier processing demands.
A shorter support cycle than iPhone
The situation also highlights how Apple Watch support can feel shorter than iPhone support. Several iPhone models from earlier years still continue to receive the latest operating system updates, while watches of a similar age are already losing access to next-generation features.
Apple Watch Ultra generation one is a clear example of that gap. It debuted as a premium smartwatch for extreme activity and was launched at $799, or around Rp 13 jutaan, yet it is now among the devices excluded from Apple’s newest AI-driven upgrades.