While all eyes are on Apple’s WWDC 2026 event to be held in June, leaks that excite smart watch users are coming one after another. watchOS 27, the new operating system developed by Apple for its smartwatch series, focuses on system stability, in-depth health monitoring and satellite contact technologies rather than radical design changes.

The details shared by Bloomberg’s respected analyst Mark Gurman will change the face of Apple Watch Series 12 and existing compatible models. The operating system brings performance improvements that will meet the expectations of athletes and users who closely follow their health data.

• The Era of Precision in Health:The new operating system version completely renews the pulse and heart rate monitoring algorithms at the heart of Apple Watch, providing much more in-depth and instantaneous biometric information.

• Map and Photography Based on Satellite:Especially for Apple Watch Ultra users, it becomes possible to use Apple Maps via satellite and send photos in the Notifications application without cellular data or Wi-Fi connection.

• Ultra Features Come to Standard Models:The advanced and multi-data “Modular Ultra” watch face, which is exclusive to Apple Watch Ultra models, is also adapted to standard Apple Watch models with watchOS 27.

The Great Revolution in Heart Rate Tracking

In order to reinforce its leadership in the smart watch market, Apple aims to maximize the accuracy of biometric information in watchOS 27 version. According to the information provided by Mark Gurman, the new operating system offers a fundamental innovation in heart rate tracking by combining the hardware limits of optical sensors with software intelligence.

Especially in high-intensity training (HIIT) and professional sports activities, the instantaneous information refresh rate is increased.

This breakthrough aims to take Apple Watch models one step ahead in the competition with special fitness tracking bands that always provide effective information flow in the market. Advanced arrhythmia detection and heart health analyzes also work much more stable in this context.

Artificial Intelligence Coach Project Postponed

This increase in data sensitivity on the health side is actually based on Apple’s long-term plan. A major project is being worked on within the company, known under the code name “Project Mulberry” and planned to offer artificial intelligence-based personalized health coaching.

This service, which aims to detect posture disorders by analyzing all the user’s past health data and provide real-time athletic corrections with live camera analysis during training, slows down a bit following administrative changes.

With Eddy Cue taking over the health team, it is stated that this advanced artificial intelligence coach will not reach the first watchOS 27 version and will be offered to users with intermediate updates (such as watchOS 27.4) in the later periods of the operating system.

Cellular-Free Navigation in Mountains and Countryside: Satellite Features Expand

The emergency satellite connection that came into our lives with Apple Watch Ultra 3 gains brand new capabilities with watchOS 27. Following Amazon’s acquisition of Globalstar and the expansion of its satellite subsidiary with Apple, the infrastructure is getting stronger.

With the new version, you can now use the Apple Maps application via satellite connection on your smart watch, even in extreme natural conditions where internet connection is completely interrupted. Road descriptions and map details are taken directly from the satellite.

At the same time, not only text but also photo support comes via satellite via the Messages application. This means a vital convenience for climbers, campers and emergency workers.

New Watch Faces and UI Touches

Although a major interface revolution is not expected on the visual side, Apple is focusing on the individualization features that users demand most. The high-information-dense “Modular Ultra” watch face, which we normally only see on Ultra models with larger case structures, is optimized for standard Apple Watch Series models.

This new dial option, which is simpler and does not dash the screen, but allows you to see the maximum number of widgets (complications) at a glance, makes daily use easier.

Apple Intelligence features such as notification summaries and instant in-message translation also work much more fluently thanks to optimizations made in the background.

watchOS 27, which will be officially introduced at the WWDC 2026 event to be held in the first week of June, is released as a developer beta immediately after the presentation.

The system, which will enter the open beta process in July, becomes downloadable as a free update for all compatible devices, including the new generation Apple Watch Series 12 models, in September.