Siri with artificial intelligence arrives on Apple Watch with restrictions and dependence on iPhone
Apple is preparing the arrival of artificial intelligence for Siri on the Apple Watch, but the new feature will come with important limitations. Users who have older iPhone models or who reside in certain regions may not have full access to the assistant’s features, as announced by the company itself. The watchOS 27 update, scheduled for September, will bring the improved version of Siri, which will still be significantly dependent on the iPhone to operate.
The availability of the new AI-powered Siri will also be geographically restricted. Initially, the functionality will not be accessible in the European Union, a confirmation from Apple that points to possible expansion in future years. This temporary exclusion affects a large number of the brand’s consumers in the region.
For Siri’s artificial intelligence to work on Apple’s smart watch, five requirements must be met. Firstly, both the Apple Watch and the iPhone need to be compatible models. Furthermore, both devices must be running the latest versions of the operating systems, watchOS 27 and iOS 27, respectively. Finally, the user’s location must be outside the European Union block.
iPhone devices compatible with the new Siri
The list of iPhones eligible for the new Siri functionality in conjunction with the Apple Watch only includes the manufacturer’s latest models. Compatibility is a crucial factor determining access to artificial intelligence.
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 17e
- iPhone 17
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
A recent leak suggested the possible arrival of the Apple Watch Ultra 4 later this year, raising questions about the relevance of the launch and the company’s motivations.
Apple Watch models compatible with artificial intelligence
Upon meeting the iPhone requirements, the user will need to check the compatibility of their Apple Watch. Apple has reduced the number of models supported by watchOS 27, which can cause frustration for those with older devices.
- Apple Watch SE (3rd generation – 2025)
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
It is important to note that combining a recent iPhone, such as the iPhone 15, with an Apple Watch Ultra 3, for example, will not guarantee the new Siri will work if the Watch is not on the compatibility list. Likewise, an iPhone 17 Pro Max won’t be enough if paired with an original Apple Watch Ultra. Artificial intelligence on the watch will only be activated with the device pairs listed.
However, Siri’s artificial intelligence will be available on the iPhone regardless of whether you own an Apple Watch. The watch’s dependence on the smartphone is justified by the fact that Siri’s main AI models, which are used in the Apple Watch, are downloaded and processed directly by the iPhone, taking advantage of the phone’s computational power to offer the improved experience.
















