Apple’s watchOS 27 release includes a change in compatibility, and several older Apple Watch models will no longer be supported. Multiple outlets report that Apple is ending support for five specific watch models as part of the update’s requirements. In coverage of the decision, Apple provides additional context through a product marketing interview with Cait Dooley, Apple Watch and Health Product Marketing Manager, explaining that newer software capabilities drive the device cutoff. One reason cited across the reporting is that features related to Apple Intelligence—such as AI-based Siri improvements—need hardware and performance capabilities available only on newer watches. As a result, devices that cannot meet those technical requirements remain on earlier watchOS versions and do not receive watchOS 27. The change affects users of the older models by limiting their ability to access new functions included in watchOS 27. While details vary by model, the core point across sources is that watchOS 27 introduces compatibility constraints, leading Apple to drop support for five older Apple Watch models this year.