How to Master the New Modular Watch Face in watchOS 27: A Step-by-Step Customization Guide

Introduction

With watchOS 27 on the horizon, Apple is testing a simplified version of the Modular Ultra watch face for the standard Apple Watch. Originally exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra, this face will now be available to all users, offering a cleaner layout with fewer complications but faster glanceability. Whether you’re a power user or a minimalist, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from updating your device to personalizing the new face for your daily routine. By the end, you’ll have a watch face that’s both functional and stylish.

What You Need

• An Apple Watch compatible with watchOS 27 (Series 6 or later, including SE models)
• An iPhone running iOS 18 or later (paired with your Watch)
• Sufficient battery life (at least 50%) on both devices before updating
• A stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection for downloading watchOS 27
• Optional: A backup of your Apple Watch (via iPhone Watch app) to safeguard your settings

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Step 1: Check Compatibility and Back Up
   Before diving in, confirm your Apple Watch model supports watchOS 27. Visit Apple’s official list or check the Watch app on iPhone under General > About. Then, create a backup: open the Watch app > tap your watch name > tap the info button (i) > tap “Unpair Apple Watch” (this triggers a backup). Re-pair after.
2. Step 2: Update to watchOS 27
   Once the update is publicly available, go to the Watch app on iPhone > General > Software Update. If you’re part of the Apple Beta Software Program, you can install the beta profile first. Ensure your Watch is on its charger and connected to Wi-Fi. Tap “Download and Install” and wait for the process to complete. This can take 30–60 minutes.
3. Step 3: Access the New Watch Face
   After the update, press the Digital Crown to go to your watch face gallery, then long-press on the current face. Swipe left until you reach the “New” section. Tap the “+” button to browse all available faces. Look for “Modular” under the “Watch Faces” list—note that Apple may rename it as “Modular Lite” or keep the original name. The simplified version will have fewer complications (only 4–5 slots instead of 7) for easier reading.
4. Step 4: Customize Complications
   Once you’ve selected the face, tap “Customize” (if on Watch) or edit in the Watch app on iPhone. You can adjust the color, style, and choose which data appears in each slot. For efficiency, pick complications you check often: weather, calendar, activity rings, and battery. The simplified face prioritizes bold, large text for quick glances.
5. Step 5: Set as Active Face
   After customizing, press the Digital Crown to set it as your active watch face. You can also add it to your favorites by tapping “Add” in the gallery. To switch between faces later, swipe left or right on the main screen.
6. Step 6: Fine-Tune with Focus Modes (Optional)
   To make the face context-aware, link it to a Focus mode. On iPhone, go to Settings > Focus > select a mode (e.g., Work) > “Customize Screens” > choose your Watch face. This way, the simplified Modular face appears automatically during work hours, while a more detailed face shows during leisure.
7. Step 7: Explore Additional watchOS 27 Face Updates
   While the simplified Modular is the highlight, watchOS 27 may introduce other faces. Revisit the gallery after a few weeks to catch any new additions added via software updates. Apple sometimes adds new faces mid-cycle.

Tips and Best Practices

• Battery Optimisation: The simplified face with fewer complications consumes less power. If you notice improved battery life, consider making it your default.
• Personalisation: Use colors that match your band or iPhone case for a cohesive look.
• Accessibility: Increase font size in settings (Watch app > Display & Brightness > Text Size) to leverage the large text format.
• Beta Precautions: If you install the developer beta, expect bugs and incompatibility with some apps. Use a secondary Watch if possible.
• Stay Updated: Follow sources like Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman for exclusive details on future watchOS changes.
• Revert Easily: If the new face isn’t for you, long-press and swipe to a previous face. You can delete the simplified face by tapping the edit button while selecting it.

Note: This guide is based on pre-release information about watchOS 27. Actual naming and features may change upon final release.