Owners of the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, released in 2022, are facing disappointment as Apple has confirmed that the premium smartwatch will not receive the highly anticipated watchOS 27 update. This decision leaves a significant segment of Apple's high-end wearable users without access to the latest features and improvements, prompting discussions about product longevity and upgrade cycles.
Why the Original Ultra Misses Out
The exclusion of the 2022 Apple Watch Ultra from the watchOS 27 update stems primarily from its hardware. Apple indicates that the new software's advanced functionalities, particularly those related to AI-enhanced Siri and expanded contextual awareness, rely on neural processing cores. These specialized cores, part of Apple's Neural Engine, are present in newer chips like the S9 SiP (System in Package) and subsequent generations, but are absent or insufficient in the original Ultra's processor. This technical requirement is cited as the reason for the incompatibility.
Affected Models and Missed Features
Beyond the first Apple Watch Ultra, other models also slated to miss the watchOS 27 update include the Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, and the Apple Watch SE 2. In contrast, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and Series 9 and later models are confirmed to receive the software enhancements.
Users of the older Ultra model will miss out on several key features, including:
- AI-enhanced Siri and Contextual Awareness: Significant improvements to Siri's intelligence and its ability to understand user context.
- Updated "Modular" Watch Face: A supposed new version of this face, featuring a larger clock and three customizable elements.
- Dynamic App Grid: A redesigned app interface that intelligently suggests five relevant apps.
- Previous Omissions: The first Ultra had already missed watchOS 26 features such as hypertension notifications and live translation capabilities.
User Reaction and Broader Implications
The decision has not been well-received by many owners of the original Apple Watch Ultra, an $800 device when it was first released. Many users feel "miffed" or "very unhappy," expressing frustration over the relatively short support lifespan for such a high-priced product. Some question whether the hardware limitations are genuinely absolute or if software optimizations could enable at least some new features on older devices.
This situation contrasts with Apple's support for other older devices. For instance, the iPhone 11 from 2019 is slated to support the upcoming iOS 27, and even the original HomePod from 2018, running on an older A8 chip, will receive HomePod Software 27. This disparity highlights the specific challenge posed by the AI-centric features requiring dedicated neural processing power in the latest watchOS. The move could also serve as an incentive for users to upgrade to newer models like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 or the rumored Series 12.
Conclusion
While Apple's advancement in AI capabilities for its wearables is a step forward, the exclusion of the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra from watchOS 27 underscores the growing importance of specialized hardware for modern software features. This development will likely continue to fuel discussions among consumers about the expected longevity of premium tech products and the pace of technological obsolescence in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Source reference: Gizmodo