Watch series 3 + iPhone 6 iOS 12.4.3 = not working

Can I pair iPhone 6 (IOS 12.4.7) to apple watch series 3 (OS 6.2.5)

You shouldn't buy a new iPhone to please Apple (this is an users forum), as a matter of fact it is perfectly reasonable to upgrade your iPhone every 5 years... i mean your iPhone doesn't support iOS 13 anymore... and there are cheaper models too, not every iPhone is 1000$.

The Series 3 Apple Watch is compatible with the iPhone 6 - unless it runs watchOS 6. watchOS 6 requires an iPhone 6s / SE or newer, not the Watch itself.

iPhone 6 + Series 3 on watchOS 5 = Compatible

iPhone 6 + Series 3 on watchOS 6 = Not compatible

The iPhone 6 is no longer fine because it cannot support the latest version of iOS, which is 13. It's stuck on iOS 12.4.3 and may only see future iOS 12 Security Updates. You need to expect that other Apple products like the Apple Watch or EarPods will not work anymore with the iPhone 6.

But since you got your refund, it shouldn't be a problem for you.

https://www.apple.com/watch/

Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch Series 3 require an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 13 or later.

My wife was not a fan of watch however I lent my Watch 3 to her to see how she got on with it. After 3 weeks she loved it, so much so I bought her a Watch 5 for Christmas so as I could have mine back. She is very happy and it works fine with her iPhone 5SE. I was pleased to have my watch 3 back, Problem is now it has been upgraded to watch 6 I can no longer us it with my IPhone 6. I’m really disappointed in no longer being able to to use my watch. I’m an advocate of Apple and watch but I don’t think this upgrade has been thought through very well as I can no longer revert the OS to watch 5. Hence watch is useless to me unless on IPhone 6 unless I go and buy another new IPhone. I buy Apple products because of their durability, sustainability and longevity. For me this is a major metric. Sadly on this occasion I’m left feeling somewhat disappointed. Apple, if you’re listening can you please fix this issue ?

Apple f&@$ed my 15 yo daughters Christmas. We have saved to buy her an Apple Watch for Christmas and bought her a series 3. Did research before thanksgiving that is was compatible with her iPhone 6 and everything said yes it was. Low and behold the prized watch is opened and squeals of glee turned to tears of sadness when it DID NOT WORK WITH IPHONE 6. So we had to scrape together money more money to throw at Apple and buy a 7 from gazelle. Profoundly disappointed in Apple in what seemed, IMO, a total consumer f@$k.

If you're expecting apple to allow a full factory reset to below watch os6, you'll have more chance of winning the Lottery. Once updated, there's no going back. I'm still really annoyed about this stance. I'm still getting it in the neck from my good lady. She was so looking forward to getting her watch and she can't have one.

I have the same issue with a series 3 Watch not willing to pair with an iphone 6. It says on the box that the watch is compatible with iphone 5s and newer on IOS 11 and later!

Called the support and they told me to send it in to get the watch downgraded by apple technicians down to watchos 5 (free of charge).

Broke my sons heart when I told him that its going to be 5-6 more working days until he gets to fiddle with his favorite (only) birthday present.

No. You must have iPhone 6s or higher.