Apple Releases watchOS 27 Beta 2, Adding Workout Buddy and Dynamic App Menu

Q: Why is Apple's latest software update making even the Apple Watch Series 9 obsolete?

It isn’t. The premise is wrong: Apple Watch Series 9 is still supported by watchOS 27. The confusion came from Apple’s initial compatibility information, which appeared to leave out the Series 9 and triggered reports that the model had been dropped. Apple later clarified that this was an error, and the Series 9 does run watchOS 27. What is true is that watchOS 27 creates a sharper divide between devices that can install the update and devices that can use all of its headline features. The new beta adds interface changes such as the Dynamic App Menu, refined notifications, smoother animations, better gesture responsiveness, and improvements to Workout Buddy and fitness tracking. But the most advanced Apple Intelligence features, including the upgraded Siri AI experience, are limited to newer hardware and also require a compatible iPhone. So the Series 9 is not obsolete, but it may feel less future-proof because some marquee features are reserved for newer watches. That is different from losing software support altogether. The models facing the real cutoff are older ones. Reports indicate watchOS 27 drops support for devices including Series 6, 7, 8, the first Apple Watch Ultra, and the second-generation SE. In practical terms, Apple is using watchOS 27 to push more advanced on-device and AI-linked features that older chips cannot fully support, while still keeping the Series 9 in the supported lineup.

3 articles · Updated · Geeky Gadgets · Jul 1

watchOS 27 beta 2 centers on usability upgrades, led by a dynamic app menu that surfaces recent and frequent apps and remembers grid or list view preferences.
Notification handling and fitness tools also changed: a new red X clears alerts faster, while Workout Buddy now works without a paired iPhone and adds Spanish support.
Apple also removed the traditional app switcher—force-closing now requires holding the power button and Digital Crown—while refining liquid-glass animations, Weather colors, gestures and connectivity.
Some pieces remain unfinished: Siri shows no new changes, a duplicate Shazam app bug persists, Wallet pass updates still do not sync to Apple Watch, and Walkie-Talkie has been removed.