Apple's watchOS 27 Adds Dynamic App Grid and Expands Modular Face

ZDNet reported that the dynamic app view is a small update with a large effect. Rather than displaying every app on the home screen at a tiny size, the new view keeps most-used and recent apps front and center and places the rest of the apps one more touch away. When a user presses the Apple Watch's digital crown, six top apps appear on the screen, and an app bubble at the bottom opens the full home screen. ZDNet's reviewer said the change led to less use of the full home screen because most needed apps were already one crown press and one tap away. The reviewer also said the update shows that user interface design can improve through subtraction, and expressed hope that other smartwatches, specifically Samsung's Galaxy Watch and Google's Pixel Watch lineup, would adopt a similar app view.

ZDNet noted that users can still toggle between list view and grid view by swiping to the bottom of the screen. The reviewer said they prefer grid view to list view, even though it reduces touch surface area, because it shows every app without scrolling. The report said previous software generations displayed every app on the home screen at a very small size, which required extra precision for users with larger fingers.

According to 9to5Mac, the popular Modular face becomes more versatile in watchOS 27. Apple added 13 new color options for the face: Olive, Burgundy, Sand, Magenta, Pale Succulent, Wildflower Blue, Navy Blue, Light Umber, Chambray Blue, Limestone, Camel, Sage, and Mulberry. When customizing the Modular face, users can go to the Color screen to find these options, and they can browse and add previous colors by scrolling to the bottom where a plus button says 'Tap to add more colors.' 9to5Mac reported that Modular has long been a go-to Apple Watch face for its versatility and deep customization options, and Apple has created spinoff versions including Modular Compact, Modular Ultra, and the newest addition, Siri Modular.

9to5Mac also reported that Modular benefits from new complications exclusive to Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12. Complications are available for Daily Steps, Heart Rate, and Readiness in multiple sizes, allowing users to track key health metrics directly from the watch face.

ZDNet reported that Siri AI is the biggest update in watchOS 27. The new assistant is described as more agentic, quicker, and conversational, and it has its own app. A new widget opens the Smart Stack with a gesture. ZDNet said this feature is useful for viewing the new step-tracking configuration on the Series 12 or for identifying a song playing through Apple's improved Shazam.

ZDNet said WatchOS 27 is available on the Apple Watch Series 9, 10, 11, and 12, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 2, 3, and 4. Users must update their iPhone to iOS 27 first to get the watchOS 27 software update.