WWDC 2026: 10+ new features coming to tvOS 27 and watchOS 27

Apple has announced tvOS 27 and watchOS 27 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026, bringing a range of new features for Apple TV and Apple Watch users. The new versions are available to download as developer betas starting today. The key reasons to flash these updates are that tvOS 27 claims to make the Apple TV faster and better for entertainment and smart home use, and watchOS 27 adds Siri AI-powered assistance and smarter fitness with Workout Buddy.

While the public betas are expected to roll out in the coming weeks. But if you want to test the developer betas, here are the key features worth trying out on your Apple TV and Apple Watch as soon as the update is done.

tvOS 27: What’s new

Speed: Apple says tvOS 27 can launch apps up to 30% faster, while animations, Apple Music playback and Control Centre interactions are said to feel more responsive. AirPlay connectivity has also been improved, allowing faster connections between Apple TV, HomePod and other Apple devices.

Audio: Apple Music gets Hi-Res Lossless audio support up to 24-bit/192kHz quality. So, you can listen to higher fidelity audio on Apple TV and other platforms. The playback startup times are also said to be faster.

Podcasts: Although you could watch video podcasts on Apple Podcasts already, the app now has a refreshed interface, and this could improve your experience on the big screen.

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Downloads: You can use Smart Downloads to automatically download and manage your preferred content. This could come in handy when you are in a no-network zone.

Smart home: Since TV is the centre of the smart home ecosystem, you can access the new 4K camera recordings, backed by on-device secure processing on Apple TV. Apple Home platform also gets the Thread 1.4 update.

Accessibility: Now, there is a new Larger Text option in Settings, automatic speech transcription into subtitles in English and expanded support for ‘Made for iPhone’ hearing aids.

AppleCare information: You can check the coverage details directly within Settings

watchOS 27: What’s new

Siri AI: WatchOS 27 now brings a new AI-powered version of Siri that uses Apple Intelligence to understand context more effectively and support follow-up questions. It is said to perform tasks across apps more naturally.

Smart Stack now shows relevant widgets and actions based on a user’s habits and routines.

Messages: This update brings AI-based Live Translation and contextual smart action suggestions. This could make it easier to respond to conversations directly from the wrist.

Fitness: Workout Buddy gets AI-powered personalised coaching and motivational insights. The Workout app gives you easier access to commonly used controls while working out.

Apple Music can now recommend playlists automatically based on workout type and listening preferences. There is also this new automatic volume adjustment that adapts audio levels based on surrounding noise conditions.

Productivity: Notes app is now available on Apple Watch with this update, and Notifications are also said to be presented based on relevance.

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