UMVA has learned that Apple's commitment to iPhone hardware support is truly impressive, with iOS 27 set to work on all devices currently supporting iOS 26, dating back to the iPhone 11 released in 2019.
The tech giant even went the extra mile to customize and speed up the OS on older devices, ensuring a seamless user experience across a wide range of hardware.
However, a stark contrast emerges when it comes to Apple Watch owners, as the watchOS 27 update, featuring a new Siri AI experience and dynamic apps screen, will not be supported on a significant number of currently supported devices.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Apple Watch Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2 and 3, and SE 3 will be the only ones eligible for the watchOS 27 update, leaving a substantial chunk of Apple Watches behind.
This move is particularly surprising given Apple's long-standing support for iPhones, with the company now drawing a clear line in the sand for its wearable devices.
The dropped support for Apple Watch Series 6 to Series 9, as well as the first Apple Watch Ultra model and the 2nd Generation SE model, has left many users dismayed, especially considering the Series 9 was released as recently as September 2023.
The decision is even more puzzling given that hardware iterations on Apple Watches are slow, and devices from a couple of years ago remain fully capable and fast enough to perform all tasks.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that this limited support may come as a disappointment to Apple Watch owners who have grown accustomed to the company's typically long support cycle.
