watchOS 27: All the Features Coming to Apple Watches

SadaNews - Apple will unveil version watchOS 27 of its smartwatch operating system during its main "WWDC 2026" developer conference on Monday, June 8, and rumors are already circulating about some new features.

The first beta release for developers of watchOS 27 is expected to be available immediately after the conference, typically followed by a public beta in July.

The update will be released to all compatible Apple Watch users in September, according to a report by tech news site "MacRumors," which was reviewed by "Al Arabiya Business."

Expected Key Features

Improvements in Heart Rate Tracking

According to a Bloomberg report on Sunday in its weekly tech newsletter, watchOS 27 will bring improvements to the heart rate tracking feature, though the agency did not disclose additional details.

New Modular Watch Face Design

watchOS 27 will add new watch faces, including a version of the "Modular Ultra" watch face currently exclusively available for the Apple Watch Ultra.

New Features within "Apple Intelligence"

In watchOS 26, the following artificial intelligence features are available on Apple Watch when paired with an iPhone 15 Pro or newer:

- Workout Buddy

- Real-time translation within messages

- Notification summaries

When Apple announced the date for WWDC 2026, it promised to reveal "developments in artificial intelligence" across its various platforms, so it is expected that watchOS 27 will include additional AI-powered features that rely on the iPhone.

New Satellite Features

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes equipped with built-in satellite connectivity, allowing the use of features such as requesting emergency assistance through the "Emergency SOS" feature, as well as using "Find My" and satellite messaging without relying on an iPhone.

According to reports, iOS 27 will add up to five new features that rely on satellites, and it is likely that the following two features will also reach watchOS 27:

- Using Apple Maps via satellites.

- Support for sending images in the messaging app via satellites.

Last month, Amazon announced its plans to acquire "Globalstar," the company responsible for operating satellite services in the iPhone 14 and newer, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Amazon also announced signing an agreement with Apple to provide satellite connectivity for current and future features in iPhones and Apple Watches.

Focus on Stability and Performance

Apple is reportedly focusing heavily on "stability, performance, and minor improvements" in watchOS 27, rather than introducing massive changes or revolutionary features, indicating that the update may involve a large number of bug fixes and performance enhancements.