Millions use the Find My app to locate lost devices or share their whereabouts with loved ones. A key update in iOS 27 now improves its usefulness for Apple Watch users who often go without their iPhone.
Earlier versions of Find My relied completely on your iPhone’s location. So if someone went out for a walk wearing just their Apple Watch, the app would still show the last known position of their phone — often sitting at home. That could lead to confusion or outdated information being shared.
With iOS 27, Apple is addressing this issue. If you use Find My on your iPhone and have an Apple Watch connected, the system will now automatically use the watch’s location instead of the phone’s. This change occurs only when the watch is far from the phone. So for those who leave their phone behind and only wear their watch, their actual location will now show up in real time on the Find My map.
This new functionality is available for all Apple Watch models, whether they have cellular support or not. However, cellular-capable models are more reliable when it comes to sending and receiving location updates. This makes the feature especially handy for users who treat their Apple Watch as their main mobile device.
In addition, the Find My app on Apple Watch itself is getting a major design update. Previously, users had to switch between separate apps to find items, people, or devices. Now, a single, unified app brings all these functions together in one place. The new app features a redesigned, full-screen map interface and supports easier navigation using the Digital Crown.
Apple is currently testing these improvements in iOS 27 and watchOS 27. The full release is expected later this fall, with an anticipated launch window around September. Both updates will be available for free to all compatible users.