Apple has finally identified which Apple Watch models will support its new Siri AI features in watchOS 27. However, the announcement has sparked fresh debate because the company still has not provided a clear technical explanation for excluding several older devices.
The clarification came during a June 19 interview in which Apple Watch and Health Product Marketing Manager Cait Dooley said Siri AI works best on newer hardware. While the statement confirms compatibility, it leaves many users wondering why previous premium models cannot use the feature.
Which Apple Watches Support Siri AI?
According to Apple, Siri AI requires both a compatible Apple Watch and a nearby iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence. The supported devices include:
- Apple Watch SE (3rd generation)
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
Meanwhile, several recent watches do not qualify. These include the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, and the original Apple Watch Ultra.
Hardware May Explain the Difference
Although Apple has not offered a detailed reason, the hardware differences are noticeable. The Apple Watch Series 9 introduced the S9 chip with a four-core Neural Engine, doubling machine-learning performance compared with the S8 chip found in earlier models. The newer processor also enabled on-device Siri processing and features such as Double Tap.
Because Siri AI depends on both the watch and a nearby Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, some observers expected older watches to remain compatible. That expectation has fueled questions about why Apple chose the Series 9 as the starting point.
Questions Still Remain
Technology analysts believe the faster Neural Engine likely plays an important role in supporting Siri AI. However, Apple has stopped short of confirming that explanation. Instead, the company has simply stated that newer hardware delivers the best experience.
This distinction matters because Apple has not presented Siri AI as a feature that runs entirely on the watch. Since the paired iPhone performs much of the computational work, many users expected broader compatibility.
Owners Await More Answers
Apple Watch owners now have a definitive list of supported devices, but many questions remain unanswered. Until Apple explains the technical limitations in greater detail, owners of recently released but unsupported watches are likely to continue questioning the company’s decision. For now, Siri AI remains one of watchOS 27’s most anticipated features—and one of its most debated compatibility changes.
