Apple‘s next major smartwatch software update, WATCHOS 27, is reportedly set to bring a stripped-down version of the Apple Watch Ultra‘s signature Modular Ultra watch face to standard Apple Watch models. According to a report from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, the company is testing several new watch faces for the upcoming OS version, but the most notable is a simplified take on the Modular Ultra face. The internal codename for watchOS 27 is said to be “ORCHID”. While WWDC 2026 is just around the corner, most attention has been on iOS 27, which is set to include the Google Gemini-powered Siri. However, rumors about the latest version of watchOS have been minimal, suggesting that the update may primarily be an aesthetic upgrade. Apple is expected to unveil watchOS 27 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote on June 8, 2026, with a public release likely following in the fall alongside new Apple Watch models.

What The New Modular Ultra Face Looks Like

The current Modular Ultra watch face, exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra, is known for its information-dense layout. It features a large digital clock at the top left, a central circular complication, three smaller complications above the clock, and a series of surrounding information around the bezel. According to the Bloomberg report, the simplified version removes the central complication, the three smaller complications above the clock, and the surrounding bezel data. What remains is a massive clock that takes up the top two-thirds of the display, with three small complication options positioned below it. The resulting layout creates a less cluttered interface that prioritizes readability over maximum data density. The simplified face is designed to be more approachable and better suited for the smaller displays of standard Apple Watch models, while still providing glanceable information with the three complication options. It keeps the large clock style from Modular Ultra but changes how information appears around it. The face includes options to display real-time depth or elevation data around the outer bezel, a training bezel showing vitals and training load data, or seconds counting up.

Other New Watch Faces In WatchOS 27

Beyond the Modular Ultra variant, Apple is reportedly testing several other new watch faces for watchOS 27. While details remain scarce, the company has already confirmed the release of a new Pride Luminance watch face as part of the watchOS 26.5 update, which is expected to drop in May 2026 in time for Pride Month. This face will be accompanied by a matching watch band and wallpapers.

Looking further ahead, a report has suggested that Apple is also developing a new modular watch face for watchOS 27 that continues the company‘s tradition of offering customization while balancing simplicity. It is unclear whether this is a separate face or refers to the same simplified Modular Ultra design. In past years, Apple has introduced watch faces like Wayfinder and Modular Ultra for the Ultra, and Exactograph for all models, indicating a continued focus on creating distinct, functional faces for different use cases.

WatchOS 27 Codenamed ‘Orchid‘ And AI Integration

The internal development of watchOS 27 has reportedly been given the codename “ORCHID“. Beyond new watch faces, the update is expected to focus on stability and deeper integration of Apple Intelligence features. A report from March 31, 2026, emphasized that watchOS 27 represents a significant AI push for the Apple Watch. The goal is to integrate Apple Intelligence so that the watch can run models on-device, understand context, and decide what to notify and when, rather than simply pushing results from the iPhone. This would be a major shift in how the Apple Watch handles notifications and suggestions, making it a more proactive and intelligent companion. Refinements to performance and battery life are also expected, as Apple aims to position the 2026 versions of its operating systems as more stable and, in terms of AI, truly solid. Apple‘s roadmap for watchOS 27 heavily emphasizes artificial intelligence under the “Apple Intelligence” branding, with Siri and other on-watch features getting smarter.

Health Features And ‘Health+‘ AI Coaching

Health features are a cornerstone of the Apple Watch experience, and watchOS 27 is likely to introduce new ways to view and analyze existing health metrics. While blood glucose monitoring is still years away, Apple is reportedly working on a health data analysis service that uses AI to provide personalized health, nutrition, and fitness advice. This service, internally referred to as “Health+,” would analyze data from the Apple Watch, iPhone, and other sources to provide tailored coaching, nutrition suggestions, and help users build and maintain daily wellness routines to hit their activity goals. Parts of this project, such as the analysis of Health app data and video content, could be rolled out in 2026 as regular Health app features. Apple is also working on a system to use the iPhone camera for gait analysis.

Compatibility With Existing Apple Watch Models

Apple has not officially announced which models will support watchOS 27. Based on historical patterns, support for older devices is typically maintained for several years after their release. For watchOS 26, compatible models included the Apple Watch Series 6 and later, Apple Watch SE (2nd and 3rd generation), and the Apple Watch Ultra series. It is reasonable to expect that watchOS 27 may drop support for the Series 6, which was released in 2020. However, this is purely speculative. Owners of newer watches, such as the Series 7 and later, the SE 3, and all Ultra models, are highly likely to be compatible. The simplified Modular Ultra face is reportedly being tested for standard Apple Watch models in watchOS 27, further suggesting broad compatibility.

Release Timeline And Beta Schedule

Apple has officially confirmed that WWDC 2026 will kick off on Monday, June 8, 2026, with the keynote expected to begin at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. Developer betas of all new operating systems, including watchOS 27, will be released immediately after the keynote. Public betas will follow in July, with the final public releases for all Apple operating systems, including watchOS 27, scheduled for the fall of 2026. The final release will likely coincide with the launch of new Apple Watch hardware, such as the rumored Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the new Modular Ultra watch face in watchOS 27?

The new watch face is a simplified, stripped-down version of the existing Modular Ultra face, which is currently exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra. The simplified version removes several complications and bezel information, leaving a prominent clock with three small complications below it.

When will watchOS 27 be released?

watchOS 27 will be announced at Apple‘s WWDC keynote on June 8, 2026. Developer betas will be available immediately, with a public release expected in the fall of 2026, alongside new Apple Watch models.

Will my Apple Watch get watchOS 27?

Apple has not announced official compatibility. Based on previous years, watches released in the last four to five years are likely to be supported. A definitive list will be available after WWDC 2026.

What other new features are expected in watchOS 27?

Beyond new watch faces, watchOS 27 is expected to focus on deeper integration of Apple Intelligence, with on-device AI processing for smarter notifications and Siri. Health features, including a new AI-powered coaching service, are also likely.

When will Apple release the Pride Luminance watch face?

The Pride Luminance watch face will be released as part of the watchOS 26.5 update, which is expected to be available in May 2026, ahead of Pride Month in June.