A simplified version of the Modular Ultra watch face, currently exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra, is coming to standard Series models with watchOS 27, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports.
The new face, part of a watchOS update internally code-named "Orchid," strips down the Ultra's notoriously dense display for smaller screens. It keeps the large digital clock that fills the top two-thirds of the screen but removes the center complication slot, the row of three small complications above the time, and the bezel information ring. A single row of three smaller complications sits beneath the clock.
The original Modular Ultra packs seven complications with six layout options for the time, plus training bezels displaying Vitals and training load data. It is the most information-heavy face Apple has ever shipped. The simplified version dials back that density to fit standard Watch displays without sacrificing glanceable data. Gurman believes the redesign is a deliberate effort to bring the Ultra aesthetic to a broader range of devices.
The Watch Ultra, launched in 2022 with a 49mm titanium case, has maintained the Modular Ultra face as an exclusive selling point. Expanding that design language to the Series lineup would give standard Watch owners access to a look previously reserved for the higher-end model. Apple is expected to preview watchOS 27 at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, with a public release later this year.
Before that, watchOS 26.5 arrives this month with a new Pride Luminance watch face and matching iPhone wallpaper, part of Apple's annual Pride collection. Gurman reported the update last week. It follows the public release of watchOS 26.4, which introduced new features including 8 new emoji, a single-tap workout shortcut, and support for AirPods Max 2, along with bug fixes and security updates.
