Black Friday & Cyber Monday
watchOS 27 dropped
your Apple Watch?
watchOS 27 dropped the Apple Watch Series 6, 7 and 8, the SE (2nd generation) and the original Ultra. If you own one, Black Friday and Cyber Monday look like the moment to upgrade. But Apple says those watches keep getting security updates, so yours isn't unsafe overnight. Pick your watch and your iPhone, and we'll tell you whether to keep it or which to buy.
Updated 12 November 2026 · from Apple's watchOS and compatibility pages, US list prices
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Pick your watch.
What dropping off watchOS 27 actually means
- Your watch keeps working. Apple's Cait Dooley told 9to5Mac that these models still pair with iPhones on the latest software and continue to receive security updates.
- You miss new features. Apple said features like Siri AI and the new tap gesture need the power of a Series 9 or newer, Ultra 2 or newer, or SE 3.
- Apps will slowly move on. Over time, some third-party watch apps may require newer watchOS versions.
So if your watch does what you need and the battery gets you through the day, keeping it is a reasonable choice. Upgrade when you want the new health features or the battery no longer lasts, not because of a deadline.
Which watch, if you upgrade
Prices are Apple's US list prices. Amazon's price is often lower around Black Friday and Cyber Monday; each button shows today's price.
Pick your iPhone above
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm)
The value pick
Always-on display, the S10 chip, Sleep Score, wrist temperature and sleep apnea notifications, and 5G on cellular models. It skips ECG, blood oxygen and hypertension notifications, and battery is rated up to 18 hours. Apple's price: from $249 (40mm, GPS).
Best for: First Apple Watch, kids and teens set up through Family Setup on a cellular model, and anyone upgrading from an SE.
Skip it if: You want the full set of heart health features. That's the Series 12.
See today's price on AmazonPick your iPhone above
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS + Cellular, 40mm)
The same SE 3, with its own connection
The SE 3 with cellular, so calls, messages and music work without your iPhone nearby (a carrier plan is extra). Apple's price: from $299 (40mm).
Best for: Runners who leave the phone at home, and Family Setup for someone without an iPhone.
Skip it if: Your iPhone is always with you. The GPS model does the same for $50 less, before the monthly plan.
See today's price on AmazonPick your iPhone above
Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm)
The one most people should buy
Apple's new Health Sensing System checks heart rate every five seconds in the background, adds a 0 to 10 Readiness score, and keeps ECG, blood oxygen, sleep apnea and hypertension notifications. Battery is rated up to 24 hours. Apple's price: from $399 (42mm, GPS).
Best for: Upgrading from a Series 6, 7 or 8, or anyone who cares about heart health features.
Skip it if: You mainly want notifications, sleep and step tracking. The SE 3 covers those for less.
See today's price on AmazonPick your iPhone above
Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm)
For adventures and battery life
A 49mm titanium case, a brighter display than the Series 12, up to 50 hours of battery, cellular built in, and Emergency SOS, Find My and Messages over satellite. Apple's price: $799.
Best for: Hikers, divers and anyone upgrading from the original Ultra, or who hates charging every night.
Skip it if: You want a smaller, lighter watch. The Series 12 has the same chip and health sensors.
See today's price on AmazonPick your iPhone above
Anker Prime 3-in-1 Foldable MagSafe Charger (Qi2.2 25W)
One charger for the watch and the iPhone
A foldable charger that fast-charges a recent Apple Watch, charges an iPhone at up to 25W with Qi2.2, and has a pad for AirPods. For full speed it needs a 45W or bigger USB-C adapter, which Anker doesn't list as included.
Best for: Travel and nightstands, once you have a watch, phone and AirPods to charge.
Skip it if: Your iPhone has no MagSafe magnets (iPhone 11 models and the 16e).
See today's price on Amazon| SE 3 | Series 12 | Ultra 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple's price from | $249 | $399 | $799 |
| Sizes | 40, 44mm | 42, 46mm | 49mm |
| Rated battery | Up to 18 hrs | Up to 24 hrs | Up to 50 hrs |
| ECG and blood oxygen | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hypertension notifications | No | Yes | Yes |
| Satellite SOS and messages | No | No | Yes |
Source: Apple Watch, checked 11 November 2026
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Does your iPhone matter?
Every new Apple Watch needs an iPhone 11 or later on iOS 27, which covers every iPhone on this site. Some features also depend on the iPhone: Siri AI and Workout Buddy need an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, and Live Rewind needs an iPhone 16 or newer, other than the 16e.
How we chose
We used Apple's own compatibility lists and feature requirements, and reviews from Macworld and Tom's Guide for battery and sensor details. We haven't tested these watches ourselves. Nothing here is paid for by Apple or Anker.
Is your iPhone worth keeping too? Check it in a minute.
Check my iPhoneQuestions
Which Apple Watch models don't get watchOS 27?
The Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, SE (2nd generation) and the original Apple Watch Ultra, plus older models that stopped getting new watchOS versions in earlier years.
Will my Apple Watch Series 8 still get security updates?
Apple told 9to5Mac that the models dropped from watchOS 27 can still pair with iPhones on the latest software and continue to receive security updates.
Which iPhone do I need for an Apple Watch Series 12?
An iPhone 11 or later running iOS 27. Siri AI and Workout Buddy also need an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.
Should I buy the Apple Watch SE 3 or Series 12?
The SE 3 ($249) covers notifications, fitness and sleep tracking. The Series 12 ($399) adds ECG, blood oxygen, hypertension notifications and longer rated battery life.