Apple's watchOS 6 runs on all Apple Watch models save for original

According to Apple, the next-generation watchOS 6 supports the same hardware as the company's current watchOS 5, meaning all Apple Watch models from the Series 1 up to the latest Series 4 can run the new operating system.

Apple announced watchOS 6 at Monday's Worldwide Developers Conference, revealing a slew of new features like a dedicated App Store, handy standalone apps, fresh watch faces and more.

In release notes accompanying the first beta of watchOS 6, Apple says the software supports Apple Watch Series 1, Series 2, Series 3 and Series 4. The only Apple Watch model not compatible with the upcoming OS is the original variant, sometimes referred to as Apple Watch "Series 0." Apple's hardware requirements mirror that of watchOS 5, the first Watch software update to nix support for the "Series 0" device.

To run watchOS 6, users will need an iPhone 6s or later, according to Apple.

Apple's upcoming watchOS includes a number of new features including a handful of first-party apps like Cycle Tracking for menstrual cycle monitoring, Hearing Health, Calculator and a redesigned Voice Memos tool.

Building on an already strong foundation in user health services, the update adds Activity Trends for tracking exercise, fitness, stand and move goals over longer stretches. New coaching tools are also integrated to give users an extra push when needed.

Developers are already beta testing the forthcoming update ahead of release this fall.

4 Comments

GeorgeBMac 11421 comments · 8 Years

About 5 years ago

Damn! I've been looking for reason to upgrade my Series 1 -- but it keeps running great (knock on wood!) and my frugal nature won't let me part with it for the latest & greatest -- no matter how great it is!

But, I find it strange that you'll need an IPhone 6S to upgrade the Watch OS. Currently I think it only requires a 5S. While the A7 maybe a bit weak, I would think that an A8 in the iPhone should be capable enough.
... I wonder what's going on with that?

racerhomie3 1264 comments · 7 Years

GeorgeBMac said:

Damn! I've been looking for reason to upgrade my Series 1 -- but it keeps running great (knock on wood!) and my frugal nature won't let me part with it for the latest & greatest -- no matter how great it is!

But, I find it strange that you'll need an IPhone 6S to upgrade the Watch OS. Currently I think it only requires a 5S. While the A7 maybe a bit weak, I would think that an A8 in the iPhone should be capable enough.
... I wonder what's going on with that?

WatchOS firmware is locked with iOS firmware. iPhone 6 will not get iOS 13.

ivanh 596 comments · 12 Years

GeorgeBMac said:

Damn! I've been looking for reason to upgrade my Series 1 -- but it keeps running great (knock on wood!) and my frugal nature won't let me part with it for the latest & greatest -- no matter how great it is!

But, I find it strange that you'll need an IPhone 6S to upgrade the Watch OS. Currently I think it only requires a 5S. While the A7 maybe a bit weak, I would think that an A8 in the iPhone should be capable enough.
... I wonder what's going on with that?

It’s called planned obsolescence.

Mike Wuerthele 6906 comments · 8 Years

ivanh said:

GeorgeBMac said:

Damn! I've been looking for reason to upgrade my Series 1 -- but it keeps running great (knock on wood!) and my frugal nature won't let me part with it for the latest & greatest -- no matter how great it is!

But, I find it strange that you'll need an IPhone 6S to upgrade the Watch OS. Currently I think it only requires a 5S. While the A7 maybe a bit weak, I would think that an A8 in the iPhone should be capable enough.
... I wonder what's going on with that?

It’s called planned obsolescence.

It still isn't. It requires a 6s, because that's what iOS 13 requires.