As Apple consistently strives for the best user experience, power and performance are paramount in their software updates. Cait Dooley, Apple’s Watch and Health product marketing manager, stated in June 2026, “With every software release across all our platforms, we always want to ensure that you have the best experience.” This philosophy explains why older Apple Watch models are not receiving the new update—everyone wants a seamless, high-performance user experience.

The introduction of AI features, particularly with Siri integration, plays a significant role in the decision to drop support for older models. David Clark, Apple’s senior director of watchOS software engineering, emphasized the importance of a unified Siri experience, stating, “We wanted to make sure the Siri experience is a singular and consistent experience […] that has access to your data and can personalize it in a consistent way.” This level of integration demands more advanced hardware that older models lack.

While older devices may miss out on new features, Apple assures that they will continue receiving important security updates. This means that older models like the Apple Watch SE 2, Series 6, and Series 7 won't suddenly become obsolete. Additionally, these models will still connect with newer iPhones, preventing them from turning into e-waste.

This decision to not support older watch models raises questions about the longevity of Apple Watch devices. With Apple updating their chipsets only every three years, many users may now feel pressured to upgrade their devices more frequently to benefit from new software and features.

As AI continues to drive innovation in wearable technology, it has also caused frustration among users of older models. Many may feel that AI advancements are overshadowing the longevity of their devices.