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Newsroom Update
Apple is introducing a new Apple Watch Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop, matching watch face, and dynamic iOS and iPadOS wallpapers as a way to champion global movements to protect and advance equality for LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more >
Apple is introducing a new Apple Watch Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop, matching watch face, and dynamic iOS and iPadOS wallpapers as a way to champion global movements to protect and advance equality for LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more >
I am very upset still. I have a screen in my Watch app that says, “To update the software on your Apple Watch, you need to update the software on your iPhone.” My iPhone states it’s up to date, 15.7.1 for iOS on my iPhone 6s. Essentially since my phone is old (can’t run iOS 16) my watch is now unable to be updated. Please help me, I want an update without buying a new phone. I don’t want a new phone at all.
Apple Watch SE, watchOS 8
Hi Tackledmoss,
Thanks for coming to Apple Support Communities for help today.
WatchOS 9 will require an iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16 installed. There won't be a way around this. You can see the requirements here: watchOS 9.
"watchOS 9 requires iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16 or later and one of the following Apple Watch models
If you do decide to get a new iPhone, this article will help you pair your Apple Watch to it: How to pair your Apple Watch with a new iPhone.
Have a fantastic day!
Hi Tackledmoss,
Thanks for coming to Apple Support Communities for help today.
WatchOS 9 will require an iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16 installed. There won't be a way around this. You can see the requirements here: watchOS 9.
"watchOS 9 requires iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16 or later and one of the following Apple Watch models
If you do decide to get a new iPhone, this article will help you pair your Apple Watch to it: How to pair your Apple Watch with a new iPhone.
Have a fantastic day!
Thanks so much! I plan on getting a new phone anyways. Just wanted to know if there was a way around it.
Why does my Apple Watch not update?
