New Features in watchOS 27 and macOS 27
November 3, 2026
Janet Ingber
Apple released new operating systems for both Apple Watch and Mac in September 2026. This article will discuss their main updates but not the many additional smaller updates.
watchOS 27
Apple debuted two new watches in 2026: the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4. The Series 12 GPS starts at $399. The Series 12 GPS + Cellular starts at $499 and the Ultra 4 starts at $799.
The following watches can run watchOS 27:
- Apple Watch Series 9 or later
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later
- Apple Watch SE 3
VoiceOver
Hints
You can now control how often VoiceOver speaks hints. There are three options: Always, Never, and App-Specific.
A new Tap to Wake feature wakes the screen with just one tap. It is on by default.
Controls for both features are found in Settings/Accessibility/VoiceOver on the Watch and in the Watch app on your iPhone.
Mainstream Features
Siri AI
Siri AI is also available on Apple Watch when paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone with Siri AI enabled. It has a standalone Siri app that keeps a list of interactions with Siri. This app is also available on the iPhone and Mac. Conversations sync between devices. You can choose how long conversations remain on the devices.
Workout Buddy in the Fitness app can be used without your iPhone being nearby. You will need a cellular or a Wi-Fi connection. AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones are required.
The Find My app is similar to the iPhone version. The different options are all in one app rather than separate apps as in watchOS 26.
macOS 27 Golden Gate
This new operating system can be used with all Macs running Apple silicon. Intel-based Macs are not supported.
Image and Screen Descriptions
VoiceOver can now give descriptions of your screen and images.
Get an image description by focusing on the image and then pressing VO-Shift-L. Additional options are available by pressing VO-Shift-R. That will bring up an image recognition menu. This feature can be used from anywhere on your Mac. A list of options, including Image Description and Screen Description, will be available.
Actions Rotor
It is now possible to use the trackpad to activate the Actions menu. Make sure the Trackpad Commander is on. Go to the Actions menu and swipe up or down with one finger. Double-tap on the action you want.
Audio Ducking
You can now control the amount of audio ducking. Go to VoiceOver Utility > Sound. Make sure the Enable Audio Ducking option is selected. Next, go to the Ducking Amount slider and make your selection.
Writing Tools
The Show Writing Tools option can now be accessed through the Action menu. Focus on a text area and then select Show Writing Tools from the Action menu.
Check out the new Coding tab in the Verbosity section of the VoiceOver Utility.
Mainstream Features
Siri AI
Siri AI is also available on the Mac. As on the watch and iPhone, Siri on the Mac has a standalone app and is integrated throughout the system. Siri conversations are automatically synced with your other Apple devices. There are options to let you choose how long Siri retains conversations.
Siri will have new expressive voices and improved dictation but only if you have an M3 Mac or newer with at least 12GB of memory.
Many of the app changes in iOS 27 are also on the Mac.
Safari
Safari can organize tabs, reading lists, and bookmarks by topic. It can also create custom extensions using natural language prompts.
The new Notify Me feature lets you know about updates.
Shortcuts
This app can now create Shortcuts based on natural language. Just say what you want the shortcut to do.
Calendar and Reminders
You can now add or modify items in these apps just by using natural language.
Phone
The Phone app has the Call Context feature as on the iPhone. It will recognize the number you are calling and bring up relevant documents or information.
Files
Siri AI uses Apple Intelligence to suggest file and folder names based on their contents.
Clock
Clock volume is independent of system volume.
Search or Ask
This new feature allows you to either type or speak your request. There is both a text box and a microphone button.