watchOS 27 Beta 3 Brings Siri AI and New Siri App to Apple Watch

watchOS 27 Beta 3 Brings Siri AI and New Siri App to Apple Watch

Apple has released the third developer beta of watchOS 27, introducing a standalone Siri app and the enhanced Siri AI experience to the Apple Watch for the first time. First announced at WWDC 2026, the upgraded virtual assistant was absent from the first two developer beta previews but is now available for testing on compatible wearables.

Siri AI represents a shift toward a ChatGPT-like experience on the wrist, utilizing generative AI models to support natural language and contextual awareness. Unlike the previous version of Siri, this iteration can hold full back-and-forth conversations, brainstorm ideas, and access personal data across Mail, Messages, Notes, Reminders, and Calendar to complete complex tasks. It also possesses broad world knowledge and can search the web to answer questions.

Integration and the Dynamic App Grid

The most visible change is the addition of a dedicated Siri app, which now occupies the center position of the redesigned Dynamic App Grid. This grid, which appears when the Digital Crown is pressed, intelligently selects five surrounding applications based on the wearer's routines and usage.

The new app enables cross-device synchronization. Conversations started on an Apple Watch can be continued on a linked iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Vision Pro with full context preserved. However, the Apple Watch does not perform the processing on-device; instead, it relies on a paired iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.

Hardware Requirements and Restrictions

Apple has limited the compatibility of watchOS 27 to six specific models: the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and the Apple Watch SE 3. The update drops support for the original Apple Watch Ultra, the Apple Watch SE 2, and the Series 6 through Series 8.

Users in the European Union face a significant restriction. Due to the Digital Markets Act, Siri AI is currently blocked on iPhones and iPads within the EU. Because the Apple Watch requires a paired iPhone running Siri AI to function, EU users cannot access these new features even if they install the beta. There is currently no timeline for an agreement between Apple and the European Commission.

Installation and Setup

Updating to the beta requires a corresponding update to iOS 27 on the paired iPhone. Some users have reported needing to wait for a new Apple Intelligence download on their iPhones before Siri AI becomes active. On the watch itself, the Siri app may indicate that it needs to download support. While there is no traditional progress indicator, a Set up Now option in the Siri settings allows users to force the download without waiting for the watch to be on its charger.

Additional watchOS 27 Features

Beyond the AI updates, beta 3 includes several system-wide refinements:

• Interface Updates: The Liquid Glass design features improved contrast and more uniform refraction. A new tap gesture allows users to select Smart Stack widgets by tapping their index finger and thumb together.
• Find My Redesign: The app now uses a map-centric interface that consolidates Find Devices, Find People, and Find Items into one view.
• Health and Fitness: Workout Buddy now supports Spanish and functions without a nearby iPhone, providing metrics on progressive increases in pace, distance, or duration. Treadmill readings are more accurate due to new machine learning algorithms. Cycle Tracking now includes support for perimenopause and menopause symptoms.
• Utility Improvements: A new Call Context feature displays relevant information, such as airline confirmation codes from Mail, during business calls. Wallet now supports custom passes for QR codes or barcodes.

While the developer beta is currently available to registered developers, Apple plans to release a public beta in July, with the final version of watchOS 27 launching in September.