Apple's watchOS 27 adds hidden Siri feature for continuing chats

Apple has added a new Siri app to the Apple Watch with the launch of watchOS 27, allowing users to pick up ongoing chats directly from the watch. The feature is tucked away in the watch’s Settings menu, meaning most users won’t stumble across it unless they dig a little deeper. The app lets you scroll through existing message threads, reply with voice or text, and even use Siri to send quick replies, but the interface is less polished than its iPhone and iPad counterparts.

The change comes as Apple pushes the Apple Watch further into the realm of a standalone communication device. Since the Series 5, the watch has been used for quick texts, calls, and FaceTime audio, but developers have struggled to create a seamless messaging experience. watchOS 27 is the first major update to bring a dedicated messaging hub to the watch, partly in response to growing complaints from users who want to keep conversations flowing without unlocking their iPhones. The new Siri app also ties into the watch’s existing notification center, giving users a way to manage conversations without switching devices.

Getting the app is a bit of a hunt: you need to go to Settings, tap “Siri & Watch App,” and toggle the new feature on. Once enabled, a new icon appears on the watch’s home screen. The interface shows a list of recent chats, but it lacks the rich media previews and inline image support that iOS provides. Users can type with the on‑screen keyboard or dictate replies, but the app does not support replying to images or stickers. Early reviewers note that while the voice‑to‑text feature is accurate, the hidden placement makes it hard to discover, which could limit adoption. Apple’s own support page offers a step‑by‑step guide, but many users report that the feature feels like a hidden gem rather than a core part of the watch.

Apple is likely to address the discoverability issue in a future update. The company has hinted at improving the watch’s messaging UI in watchOS 28, with plans to add inline media and richer notification previews. If Apple refines the experience, the Apple Watch could become a more compelling alternative to carrying a phone for everyday chats, especially for users who prioritize speed and convenience. For now, the new Siri app is a modest step toward a more integrated communication hub on the wrist.