Apple (release notes, security, developer):

Explore what’s new for watchOS 27.

See also:

• Juli Clover
• John Voorhees

Previously:

• watchOS 27 Announced
• watchOS 26

Update (2026-09-16): Sarah Reichelt:

If anyone like me is struggling to update their Apple Watch, the Install button in the Watch app scrolls almost off the bottom of the screen on my iPhone 17 Pro. You can just see a few orange pixels. Try to tap them and it should work.

Update (2026-09-22): Tim Hardwick:

Fortunately, there’s still a way to force quit apps in watchOS 27.

From the app you want to quit, press and hold the Side button until the sliders appear. Then simply press and hold the Digital Crown until the watch face appears.

Previously:

• Audio Intelligence

Update (2026-09-25): Juli Clover:

Apple’s release notes [for watchOS 27.0.1] say the update fixes bugs, including an issue that could cause the Apple Watch to restart unexpectedly.

watchOS watchOS 27 watchOS Release