While little has been reported about upcoming Apple Watch models, there are some rumors about possible design changes and features in watchOS 27.
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 models are expected to release in September, and we’ve outlined some of the major rumored hardware and software changes below. A new Apple Watch SE is not expected this year, as that model was just updated last year and there are typically two to three years between refreshes.
Apple will unveil watchOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on Monday, June 8, and a developer beta will likely be available immediately afterward. A public beta usually follows in July, and the update is expected to be widely released in September.
Touch identification
Touch ID could be coming to the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, according to internal Apple software code that was leaked online last year.
Touch ID would likely be integrated into the side button of the Apple Watch, allowing users to unlock the device with their fingerprint instead of a password.
Even though new Touch ID references have been discovered in the code, there is no guarantee that Apple will pursue this plan this year or ever. Additionally, credible sources such as BloombergMark Gurman and Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have yet to mention that Touch ID will come to the Apple Watch this year.
New chips after a year-long hiatus
While the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 all contain the same S10 chip as the previous year’s models, leaked Apple code indicates that the Series 12 and Ultra 4 will receive a new chip. It’s unclear whether the chip will be branded S11 or S12, but performance improvements are expected in both cases.
New Modular Watch Face
watchOS 27 will reportedly include new watch faces, including a variation of the “Modular Ultra” watch face that is currently exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra.
New Apple Intelligence features
On watchOS 26, the following Apple Intelligence features are available on an Apple Watch when paired with an iPhone 15 Pro or newer:
- Workout Buddy
- Live translation in messages
- Notification summaries
When it announced the dates for WWDC 2026, Apple promised to unveil “AI advances” across its platforms, and it’s safe to assume that watchOS 27 will include additional iPhone-powered Apple Intelligence features.
New satellite features
Apple Watch Ultra 3 has built-in satellite connectivity, enabling emergency SOS, Find My, and satellite messages without any reliance on an iPhone.
iOS 27 would include up to five new satellite features, and the following two would likely extend to watchOS 27:
- Apple Satellite Maps
- Photo support for satellite messages
Amazon announced plans last month to acquire Globalstar, the satellite company that powers Apple’s satellite features on the iPhone 14 and later and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. In turn, Amazon announced it had signed a deal with Apple to provide satellite connectivity for current and future iPhone and Apple Watch features.