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With the third developer beta of watchOS 27, the enhanced Siri AI experience arrives on the Apple Watch for the first time – complete with a standalone Siri app. What Apple announced at WWDC can now be tried out on the wrist for the first time. However, there is an important caveat for users in the EU.
Since the launch of this year's developer betas in June, watchOS 27 has been undergoing its usual multi-stage testing phase. Two key components were missing until now: the new Siri AI experience powered by Apple Intelligence and the corresponding standalone Siri app. With the third developer beta released today, that changes – both features are now available on the Apple Watch for the first time. Apple announced Siri AI for the watch back in June at WWDC; however, the first two betas did not yet include this support.
Siri AI reaches the wrist for the first time
With the third beta, the Apple Watch receives the enhanced Siri experience for the first time. This represents a significant leap forward for the watch: For the first time, a ChatGPT-like experience is available directly on the wrist, going far beyond individual voice commands. This brings the Apple Watch closer to other Apple devices, where Siri AI is being introduced as part of the iOS 27 operating systems.
The Siri app in the new dynamic app grid
The most visible expression of the change is the dedicated Siri app, which integrates into the redesigned dynamic app grid. The Siri app will now occupy the central position as the main option. The system intelligently selects the surrounding icons instead of rigidly assigning them – the grid adapts to the specific usage.
Seamless switching between devices
A key advantage of the new app is cross-device synchronization. The Siri app on the Apple Watch synchronizes with the versions on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro. A conversation started on one device can therefore be continued on another, complete with context – the conversation flows seamlessly when switching devices.
A small practical tip: Newly updated Apple Watches may need to wait briefly until the new Siri experience is fully loaded before Siri AI or the standalone app can be used.
Siri AI will remain blocked on the Watch in the EU for the time being
For the German-speaking market, one point is crucial: Siri AI on the Apple Watch requires a paired iPhone that also runs Siri AI. This is precisely where its use fails in the European Union. Because of the Digital Markets Act, Siri AI is currently blocked on iPhones and iPads in the EU – and without an iPhone with Siri AI, the Apple Watch is also excluded.
Users in Germany, Austria, and other EU countries will not be able to use the new Siri experience on the Apple Watch at launch, even if they install the beta version. The Apple Watch will only automatically follow suit once Apple and the European Commission reach an agreement and Siri AI is enabled on iPhones and iPads in the EU. There is currently no timeline for this.
watchOS 27: Here's what's next
The inclusion of Siri AI in the third beta shows that Apple is gradually activating the core features of watchOS 27. Further beta versions are expected before the final release this fall, refining the Siri experience and adding additional details. Users outside the EU can already try out the new assistant app on their watches – within the EU, attention remains focused for now on the iPhone, iPad, and the negotiations in Brussels. (Image: Apple)
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