Apple Watch Series 3 Software Update

On iOS 16.0.3 Watch Series 3 forces me to update to watchOS 8.7.1. I want to pair it but there's just no way to connect my 8 Plus on iOS 16. Would it keep the update if I pair it with my partners 6S (iOS 15), updated it and paired again to mine?

Does Apple have any intention to release an update where this problem gets solved? I'm terribly disappointed.

I know, that Series 3 is not supported anymore and that Apple Stores could help me, still, I don't know if it's in the warranty or not.