Apple (AAPL) Ends WatchOS Support for Older Watch Models

Apple Inc. (AAPL) announced it will discontinue WatchOS support for several older Apple Watch models, effective with the upcoming WatchOS 11 release. This strategic move, revealed following the company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10, 2026, means users of affected devices will not receive future software updates, potentially driving new device sales. The models losing support include the Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, Series 6, and the original Apple Watch SE. These devices will remain functional but will not access new features, security updates, or performance enhancements offered by WatchOS 11 and subsequent versions. The decision aligns with Apple's typical lifecycle management for its hardware, prompting existing users to consider upgrading to newer models to maintain full software compatibility and access to the newest features.