Apple is developing a simplified version of its popular Modular Ultra watch face for standard Apple Watch models, set to arrive with watchOS 27 later this year, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move marks a significant expansion of the Ultra design language to the broader Apple Watch lineup.
Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman reports that watchOS 27, internally code-named 'Orchid,' includes multiple new faces, with the standout being a 'simplified take' on the Modular Ultra face originally exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra. It has the same large clock as the Ultra face but removes the option for a big complication in the center, the row of three smaller complications above the time and information placed around the bezel,
Gurman wrote in his latest Power On newsletter. The result is a large clock that fills the top two-thirds of the display, with a row of three smaller complications beneath it.
The new face strips away the dense data layout of the original Modular Ultra, which supports up to seven complications and six time layout options, including training bezels that display Vitals and training load. Instead, the standard model variant offers a cleaner, more glance-friendly interface with just three complications below the oversized clock.
Background
Apple's Modular Ultra face debuted exclusively on the Apple Watch Ultra, offering extreme customization for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Its information-dense design includes complications around the bezel and multiple rows of data, making it one of the most feature-rich faces available. However, its complexity made it unsuitable for the smaller displays of standard Series watches.
Gurman notes that the new face is an attempt to bring the Ultra aesthetic to a wider audience. He believes the new face is an attempt to bring the Ultra look to the standard Series watches in a way that dials down the density while still offering more at-a-glance information,
according to the report. Apple has historically reserved Ultra-exclusive features for its flagship sports watch, but this move signals a shift toward broader accessibility.
What This Means
For Apple Watch users, this development means that the iconic Modular Ultra design is no longer gated behind the Ultra hardware. Standard Series models will soon gain a visually similar large clock face with practical complications, though with reduced density to fit smaller screens. This could drive upgrades among users who value the Ultra's aesthetic but prefer the form factor or price of standard watches.
Separately, Gurman reported last week that watchOS 26.5, expected this month, will include a new Pride Luminance watch face, alongside a matching iPhone and iPad wallpaper. Apple has since confirmed the release of the 2026 Pride Edition Sport Loop and corresponding digital assets. These updates underscore Apple's commitment to both seasonal themes and feature parity across device tiers.
The watchOS 27 update is anticipated to be previewed at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June, with a public release likely in September alongside new Apple Watch models. Until then, users can expect more leaks and beta insights as development progresses under the Orchid codename.
- Key change: Simplified Modular Ultra face drops center complication and bezel info, keeping large clock and three complications below.
- Impact: Brings Ultra-style look to standard Apple Watch Series models for the first time.
- Related update: watchOS 26.5 to add Pride Luminance face this month.
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