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Apple Watch Gets Siri AI Upgrade, 11-Year-Old Voice Assistant Finally Gets Smarter

Apple has taken a big step forward with the release of watchOS 27 beta 3, which brings Siri AI to the Apple Watch for the first time. After 11 years, the voice assistant is finally getting a major brain upgrade—one that lets it understand more complex commands and handle tasks that used to be out of reach.

When you activate Siri on your watch now, the app pops up right in the center of the screen, ready to answer questions or execute commands. It's a more natural, conversational experience than before. But there's a catch: the Siri AI on your wrist doesn't run independently. It relies on an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence to do the heavy lifting. Currently, that means only the iPhone 15 Pro series, iPhone 16 series, and the latest iPhone 17 series qualify.

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On the plus side, Apple has made sure the experience feels seamless across devices. All your Siri conversations on the watch sync perfectly with the Siri app on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. So you can start a query on your wrist and pick it up on your phone without missing a beat.

But the upgrade comes with a price. watchOS 27 also marks the biggest single-year drop in compatible models in Apple Watch history. Only newer models make the cut: Apple Watch SE 3, Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, and the Ultra 2 and Ultra 3. That leaves older classics like the Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, original Ultra, and SE 2 out in the cold.

For users who have held onto their older watches, this is a tough break. They won't get access to the new Siri AI or any of the other features in watchOS 27. It's a clear sign that Apple is pushing its wearable line forward—and leaving some loyal customers behind.

Key Points

  • watchOS 27 beta 3 introduces Siri AI to Apple Watch for the first time.
  • Siri can now handle more complex voice commands and sync conversations across devices.
  • The feature requires an iPhone with Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 Pro, 16, or 17 series).
  • Compatible watches: Apple Watch SE 3, Series 9, 10, 11, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3.
  • Older models like Series 6, 7, 8, original Ultra, and SE 2 are not supported.