Your Smartwatch Just Got Even Smarter, But There's a Catch

Apple has just rolled out a new software update for its smartwatches, called watchOS 27. It's making a big splash because it brings more advanced artificial intelligence, or AI, capabilities right to your wrist. Think of it like having a super-smart assistant built into your watch, ready to help with a lots of tasks using your voice.

However, there's a significant catch for anyone who doesn't have the very latest Apple Watch model. To get these snazzy new AI features, including a more capable Siri — Apple's voice assistant — you'll need the newest generation watch, ideally the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Series 10. Even relatively recent models, like the Series 9, won't be able to run these new smart functions. This means if you've bought an Apple Watch in the last few years, you might miss out on this upgrade unless you're willing to buy a brand-new device.

The new Siri app, which is a key part of this update, is designed to work a lot like the popular AI chatbots you might have heard about, like ChatGPT. It's actually powered by Google's advanced AI, called Gemini. This could make daily tasks and getting information much quicker and easier directly from your watch, without needing to pull out your phone. Imagine asking your watch to summarise a long email, draft a quick reply, or even control smart devices in your home with just a spoken command.

For everyday Australians, especially if you rely on your Apple Watch for convenience, this is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, the potential for a much smarter, more helpful watch is exciting. On the other, it highlights a common frustration in the tech world: major upgrades often require purchasing the newest hardware. It means before you get excited about all the new things your wrist device can do, you might need to check if your current watch is even compatible.