watchOS 27 will feature new watch faces, including the “Modular Ultra” variant

For watchOS 27, Apple is testing new Apple Watch faces, and one of them is a simpler version of an existing Apple Watch Ultra watch face that could be available on standard series models.

Writing in his last To light up newsletter, BloombergMark Gurman of reports that Apple is testing several new faces for watchOS 27, codenamed “Orchid.” One of them would be a “simplified version” of the Modular Ultra design.

Extract from the report:

It has the same large clock as the Ultra dial, but removes the option of a large complication in the center, the row of three smaller complications above the time and information placed around the bezel. The result is a large clock that fills the top two-thirds of the screen, with a row of three smaller complications below it.

Gurman believes the new dial is an attempt to bring the Ultra look to standard series watches in a way that reduces density while still providing more information at a glance.

In its current form, the Modular Ultra offers seven complications and six time size and arrangement options. With the training glasses providing the vitals and training load, it’s arguably the most information-dense face available.

Separately, Gurman reported last week that watchOS 26.5 will include a new Pride Luminance watch face, with the update expected to be released this month.