UMVA has learned that Apple's WWDC 2026 keynote was dominated by the unveiling of Apple Intelligence and the integration of the new Siri AI across its platforms, but that doesn't mean the Apple Watch was left behind.
In fact, watchOS 27, the latest iteration of the Apple Watch operating system, comes with a slew of exciting new features, including a revamped app layout, a brand-new gesture, and the updated Liquid Glass design.
At the forefront of watchOS 27 is Siri AI, which will be available on the Apple Watch, allowing users to access all their Siri chats without needing their phone. The Siri app on watchOS supports the same conversational Siri as Apple's other products, enabling users to "chat" with the assistant.
One of the most significant changes in watchOS 27 is the introduction of a dynamic app grid, which displays six apps suggested by watchOS based on usage history. Users can tap "All Apps" to view all installed apps on their Apple Watch, making it easier to find the right app.
For fitness enthusiasts, watchOS 27 brings enhanced insights to Workout Buddy, the voice coach that provides motivation during workouts. The feature now includes data on pace, distance, and workout duration, and it's also available in Spanish, with the added benefit of working without an iPhone nearby.
Another game-changing feature in watchOS 27 is a new single-tap gesture exclusively for the Smart Stack widgets. Users can double-tap to open and move between widgets, then tap once with their index finger and thumb to quickly open the highlighted widget or app.
Apple has also made several smaller but noteworthy changes to watchOS 27, including a new mute button for notifications, a redesigned Find My app, and more proactive suggestions in the Widget sections. Additionally, music playback on the Apple Watch now starts faster, and the step count on the watch now syncs with the Health app on the iPhone.
Furthermore, users can now create a custom pass for any membership or card that uses a QR code and access it from the Wallet app on their Apple Watch, making it even more convenient to manage their digital life.
With these updates, it's clear that Apple is committed to enhancing the Apple Watch experience, and watchOS 27 is shaping up to be a significant upgrade.
