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Apple watch SE compatible with Iphone 8?

If I buy an apple watch SE now can I use it with my iphone 8 which has IOS 16?

I would like to buy a watch now and buy a new iphone next year, first I looked at the new Apple watch S9 but that one needs IOS 17 or later.

iPhone 8, iOS 16

Posted on Sep 17, 2023 7:41 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 25, 2023 4:21 PM

I have just received an iwatch se 2 for Christmas. I have an iPhone 8 with all updates The watch would not pair. Message was I needed an update but there are no more updates. I am on 16.7.4

reading other blogs it seems that if I want to upgrade my watch I will need a later phone. What a rip off

15 replies

Sep 17, 2023 3:04 PM in response to Huys_Arthur

Re: Apple watch SE compatible with Iphone 8?


Seems it is the operating systems (OS) that need to be compatible:

iPhone 8 with iOS 16 needs a Watch with at least iOS 9 ,

so yes, iOS 9 can be installed on Apple Watch SE (1st gen or later)


More info:

"watchOS 9 is compatible with these Apple Watch models:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 and later
  • Apple Watch SE (1st generation) and later
  • Apple Watch Ultra"


"Updating to watchOS 9 also requires one of these iPhone models:

  • iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later with iOS 16"


Above is from the article: Update your Apple Watch - Apple Support

____________________________

Also: About watchOS 9 Updates - Apple Support says the latest version is watchOS 9.6.2

Sep 18, 2023 4:18 AM in response to brbo

brbo wrote:

As far as I know:
purchasers may need to update new devices to the newest iOS,
(eg: during or after set-up). Generally OS versions can not be down-graded.

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Correct, but based on iphone 7 owners experiences with watches on OS8, if the Watch on OS9 is paired to the iphone8 it should not ask to be updated to OS10 provided any updates are requested through the iphone Watch app and not via Watch settings.

However if the watch is ever serviced by Apple it will come back on OS10

Dec 4, 2023 1:09 AM in response to sktn77a

sktn77a wrote:

I can assure you the Apple watch SE (Gen 2) does NOT work with a iphone 8.
Cost me $100 in "restocking fees" to find that out!!!

What I said in September was correct.


”FWIW, iph one 8 with ios16 can pair with Watch on OS9

Huys_Arthur there is no way of knowing if the SE will be sold with OS9 or 10, though I would bet OS9 is more likely”


ON SEPTEMBER 18

Sep 17, 2023 11:58 PM in response to Huys_Arthur

We are all Apple users, like yourself, so we can not promise what Apple will or will not do. You would need to discuss the precise details and timings of the particular transaction (eg: with a consultant at shopping help, or in store) before check-out.


As far as I know:

purchasers may need to update new devices to the newest iOS,

(eg: during or after set-up). Generally OS versions can not be down-graded.


You could chat with someone at Apple if you wish:

Eg: See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Apple watch SE compatible with Iphone 8?

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