Apple's watchOS 27 drops support for Series 6-9, giving Samsung and Google a software longevity edge
By
Aamir Siddiqui
Front-window bakery material. Catches the eye, delivers the goods.
Summary
Apple's watchOS 27 compatibility list at WWDC 2026 drops support for six previous models including the Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, 9, SE 2, and first-gen Ultra. The Series 9, launched in late 2023, receives only two major platform updates, while the Ultra 2 made the cut. This unpredictable shift gives Samsung and Google an advantage, as Samsung guarantees four years of major updates and the Pixel Watch 2 is on track to match or outlast the Series 9 in software longevity.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledApple announced a surprisingly restrictive compatibility list for watch OS 27 at WWDC 2026, dropping support for six previous models
The Apple Watch Series 9, launched in late 2023, is missing out after receiving only two major platform updates, even though its contemporary counterpart, the Ultra 2, made the cut.
This unpredictable shift gives Samsung and Google the advantage. Samsung guarantees four years of major updates, while the Pixel Watch 2 is on track to match or outlast the Series 9.
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