Apple has hammered the Apple Watch compatibility list for watchOS 27, with just five models making the cut this year.

Whenever Apple updates its operating systems, it occasionally drops support for older hardware. This usually includes a few aging models, but for watchOS 27, it's a certifiable bloodbath.

According to Apple's watchOS 27 Preview page, the section discussing compatibility lists just five products:

The page also states that watchOS 27 will require an iPhone 11 or later or a second-generation iPhone SE or later models running on iOS 27 to function.

The selection of just five recent Apple Watch models means there are quite a few models that are being left out in the cold. In fact, more than half of the models that supported watchOS 26 are now deemed unable to run on watchOS 27.

That list includes:

Apple doesn't explain why models get removed from the supported hardware list, but the reasons usually involve a lack of performance or support for specific software features.

The changes in watchOS 27 include the new Siri AI experience and an expansion of health and fitness features.