'Its the most convenient way to interact with Siri': I asked Apple's senior watchOS team how to use the new Siri AI assistant on an Apple Watch, and why it's not coming to so many older models

Date:
Fri, 19 Jun 2026 09:57:59 +0000

Description:
Siri AI on Watch is going to revolutionize your day-to-day, according to Team Apple but not everyone is getting the upgrade

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Last week, Apple unveiled Siri AI across all its devices at its annual WWDC event . While much time was
given to how you'll be able to use Apple's new virtual assistant on iPhone, iPad and Mac, the Apple Watch was overlooked despite the fact that,
according to Apple, it's "the most convenient way to interact with Siri" more often than not.

That quote comes from Apple's own David Clark, senior director of watchOS software engineering. I had the opportunity to ask Clark, as well as Cait Dooley, Apple Watch and Health Product Marketing Manager, about how they see Apple Watch users interacting with Siri AI on their wrists. Clark said one of the goals of watchOS 27 was "to expand the intelligence story on Apple Watch and make it a true co-partner to Apple Intelligence ". It's doing so by being a first point of contact, as a wearable is a convenient place to house a microphone for asking Siri questions. Latest Videos From Watch full video here:

"We really wanted to make sure the Siri experience is a singular and consistent experience, whether I decide to ask Siri on my wrist a question,
or whether I have my phone in my hand and I decide to interact with Siri there. We really wanted to feel like its one Siri, that has access to your data and is able to personalise it in a consistent way.

"One of the things that Apple Watch brings to the picture is the fact that
its on your wrist all day, [so] oftentimes its the most convenient way to interact with Siri. You can imagine youre on the go, your hands are full, you have that quick question for Siri and you can interact with Apple Watch. Of course, with the new Siri app, if you want to continue that conversation or
go more deeply into some topic youre interested in, later on you can pull out your phone and pick up right where you left off. You may like Apple just gave 'Siri AI' its biggest upgrade ever whether iPhone users asked for it or not Apple's Siri AI adds voice customization but HomePod updates lag behind Only
3 iPhones are getting the best version of Siri AI here's which features are locked to certain models

Clark gives me an example of a grocery list in a store: with hands full, he's able to ask Siri on Watch for the ingredients he needs for a particular recipe. When he gets a moment, he can then open his phone to view that ingredients list in an easier-to-read way. "Working together is that superpower," he says, "and having it all being consistently driven by your data." The elephant in the room: watchOS 27 and compatibility (Image credit: Apple) As the announcements were rolling out, however, there was a pall over watchOS 27 as it was announced that five older models the Apple Watch Series 6 , 7, 8, the SE 2 and even the original Apple Watch Ultra won't get watchOS 27, and so won't get the new Siri AI features. They'll only receive basic security support going forward. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

I asked the watchOS team exactly why so many watch users have been left high-and-dry.

"With every software release across every single one of our platforms, we always want to ensure that you have the best experience, so we make power and performance a priority," said Dooley.

"The great new features in watchOS, including the capabilities of SIri AI and the new tap gesture, work best with the processing power that is in Apple Watch Series 9 and later, Ultra 2 and later, and SE 3. Older devices can
still be paired with iPhones that are running the latest software and
continue to receive security updates, so they can continue to have a great Apple Watch experience."

So while you'll be able to use older your watch with iPhones running Siri AI-powered software, you won't be able to access the new and smarter
assistant on your watch. Although Dooley and Clark wouldn't confirm this is the case, it's likely only Apple Watches running Apple's powerful S9 and S10 chips can handle the technical demands of Siri AI. The best Apple Watches for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

Read our full guide to the best Apple Watches 1. Best overall: Apple Watch Ultra 3 2. Best cheap: Apple Watch SE 3 3. Best for most people: Apple Watch Series 11 Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

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