I really like Apple, but this decision regarding watchOS could be the tipping point for me.

      I've been using Apple products for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest technology memories include an iPod that my father gave me when I was a child, and from that point, I was hooked. Shortly after, I got my hands on Apple’s second-generation iPad, and since then, I’ve primarily engaged with Apple’s ecosystem. Fast-forward to today, and not much has changed. My daily setup is almost entirely comprised of Apple products. I use an iPhone 17 as my main phone, a MacBook Air M2 for work, an Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) on my wrist, AirPods Pro 2 in my ears, and an iPad mini whenever I prefer a larger screen than my iPhone. The ecosystem functions well, which is a significant reason I’ve remained with Apple for so long. That said, being a long-time Apple user doesn’t mean I believe the company does everything perfectly.

      One thing I've learned over the years is that Apple tends to take its time adopting features that Android users have had for a long time. Whether it’s customization, AI capabilities, or everyday improvements for a better user experience, iPhone users are often asked to be patient as Apple develops its own version. Most of the time, I’ve been willing to wait because the final product is refined enough to merit it. However, there’s a distinction between waiting for a feature and feeling like your device is being left behind. Lately, that’s the impression I’ve been getting with my Apple Watch SE (2nd generation). For the first time in a long time, I find myself questioning whether Apple is expecting too much from some of its most devoted customers.

      The upgrade I never sought

      Before I delve into my frustration over the absence of watchOS 27 on my SE 2, it’s important to mention that I didn’t originally intend to buy this watch. I was quite satisfied with my Apple Watch SE (1st generation). It fulfilled all my needs, and upgrading wasn’t even on my mind. Then, out of nowhere, the screen developed an issue. I looked into getting it repaired, but that effort went nowhere, and eventually, I had little choice but to replace it. That’s how I ended up with the SE 2. To clarify, I wasn't in pursuit of the latest smartwatch or seeking a reason to upgrade. I simply wanted another Apple Watch that would integrate into my existing setup and manage the tasks that truly matter to me. The SE 2 was a perfect choice for my needs. It provided the familiar Apple Watch experience without requiring me to spend top dollar on features I rarely use. And it has been great.

      Apple

      Every day, it tracks my workouts, counts my steps, monitors my heart rate, records my runs, and handles everything I demand of it. Even now, it feels fast, reliable, and fully capable. There’s nothing about using it that indicates it's approaching the end of its life. That’s why Apple’s decision is disheartening. For me, owning a device isn't just about whether it still functions. Part of the experience is witnessing it evolve with software updates, trying out new features, and seeing the product enhance over time. This is one of the reasons I’ve remained invested in the Apple ecosystem for so long. I know that without watchOS 27, my watch won’t abruptly stop functioning. It will continue to track my workouts and perform the basics well. But it will also cease to progress. While newer Apple Watches acquire new features and upgrades, my SE 2 will effectively be left behind.

      Five watches retired at once

      During the WWDC26 keynote, Apple announced that watchOS 27 would be available on the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and the SE (3rd generation). The Series 8, Series 7, Series 6, the first-generation Ultra, and my SE 2 were not included. Perhaps I would better understand the decision if my watch felt slow, outdated, or incapable. But it doesn’t. Every morning when I put it on, it performs exactly as intended. That’s why it's difficult not to feel compelled toward another upgrade, not because I need one, but simply to keep up with the latest.

      HotshotTek (Youtube)

      Seeing Apple discontinue support for five models simultaneously is unsettling because it seems to contradict the purpose of software updates. I’ve always viewed a major update as a way to revive existing hardware. The whole idea is that your device remains unchanged while still receiving new features, a refreshed experience, and improvements that make it feel more modern than it did the previous day. That’s part of the appeal of owning technology that benefits from long-term support.

      The all-or-nothing dilemma

      Now, I understand Apple’s reasoning to some extent. Many features of watchOS 27 depend on AI, and older watches lack the