Apple released watchOS 27.2 on 26 October 2026, and Siri AI on the wrist can now recall earlier conversations, so you can ask it again about something it told you last week.
- The update is available for Apple Watch Series 9 and later and installs from the Watch app once the paired iPhone is on iOS 27.2.
- Siri AI can draw on more sources from the phone, including photos attached in Messages, Calendar event attendees, voicemails, and Safari history and Reading List.
- A new Excluded Apps setting on the iPhone controls which apps Siri, Search and suggestions can access.
- Apple says Siri AI now responds faster on Apple Watch.
- Siri AI adds French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish, after launching in watchOS 27.0 in US English only.
- Apple’s watchOS 27.2 security notes list 61 fixed vulnerabilities.
What it means for us
Training features on Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4 work as before, so the 61 security fixes are the main reason to install it! The improved Siri isn’t a reason to install it. I’ve been using the latest versions for several months, and it’s great Apple is getting all these new features, but it has simply failed to get the basics right. As it happens, I run Gemini/Hey Google and Siri together at home and use both all the time. Google is simply light years ahead on the basics and has been for a couple of years, with recent improvements, as now even Gemini voice is on my crappy old speaker that cost about $50 5 years ago.
The differences between Ultra 4 and Series 12 are unchanged, and the full watchOS 27 feature list still sets what each model can do.
Quick answers
Does watchOS 27.2 add any new workout or fitness features?
No. Apple’s release notes for watchOS 27.2 cover Siri AI, privacy settings, languages and security fixes, with no new workout types or training metrics.
Which Apple Watch models can install watchOS 27.2?
Apple lists watchOS 27.2 for Apple Watch Series 9 and later, and the paired iPhone needs iOS 27.2 first.
More Apple Watch news, tests and buying advice is on the Apple Watch hub, and the wider field is ranked in the best running watch guide.
Last Updated on 29 October 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. See the gear tfk uses. ID
