Siri AI, a Dynamic App Grid, and Other New Features Are Coming to WatchOS 27.
During its massive WWDC 2026 presentation, Apple didn’t spend much time on watchOS 27. In fact, Apple didn’t spend much time on any specific operating system at all. Instead, the event focused on Apple Intelligence and how the new Siri artificial intelligence is integrated into all Apple apps and platforms. While the Apple Watch was shown several times, its announcement was very brief, that doesn’t mean it was left out: watchOS 27 includes a new app interface, a completely new gesture, and yes, the updated Liquid Glass design is here too. Here’s what’s new if your Apple Watch is supported .
watchOS 27: Siri AI Takes Center Stage
As you’d expect from this new set of updates, everything is dedicated to Siri and Siri AI. The Siri app will be available on the Apple Watch, so you can access all your Siri chats without using your phone. The Siri app for watchOS supports the same conversational Siri as other Apple products, so you can “talk” to the Apple assistant if you want. However, Siri AI for watchOS is not yet available and is not part of the current developer beta cycle . Apple says the beta will arrive later this year .
watchOS 27: New Dynamic App Grid
Finding the right app on your Apple Watch is a challenge , whether you’re using Cellular or List mode. Now, when you press the digital crown, you’ll see a dynamic list of six apps that watchOS suggests based on your usage history. If the app you need isn’t there, you can tap “All Apps” to view all installed apps on your Apple Watch. I think this feature could be useful if it works well, but I also see it as another factor complicating things. We’ll find out soon.
watchOS 27: More information about Workout Buddy
The Workout Buddy app , the voice coach that appears during your workouts, is getting smarter. It will now motivate you using new data, such as your workout pace, distance, and duration. A Spanish version is also coming, and the app now works without your iPhone nearby.
watchOS 27: New One-Tap Gesture
watchOS already includes several useful gestures: double-tapping to answer calls and messages, and flicking your wrist to dismiss notifications. watchOS 27 introduces a single-tap gesture specifically designed for Smart Stack widgets. To try it out, use the double-tap gesture to open and navigate all widgets in a Smart Stack. Then, tap once with your index finger and thumb to quickly open the selected widget or app. This way, you can open apps from the watch face without even touching the screen.
watchOS 27: A number of small changes
There are several important features worth noting:
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New Notification Mute Button : When you open a notification on your Apple Watch and scroll down, you’ll see a new “Mute” button. You can use it to mute app notifications for an hour.
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Updated Find My app : Apple has updated the Find My app on watchOS to provide you with the location of your family members (and devices) immediately upon opening the app.
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More Smart Stack suggestions : Your Apple Watch will offer more active suggestions in widget sections. Information about birthdays, the location of your parked car, and more will be displayed more frequently.
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Some general improvements : Apple says music playback on Apple Watch now starts faster, and step counting on the watch now syncs with the Health app on iPhone.
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QR Code in the Wallet app : Now you can create a personalized pass for any card or membership card that uses a QR code and access the code from the Wallet app on your Apple Watch.