Will the Apple Watch series 8 work with iPhone XR?

You understand correctly.

NOTE: There is a slim chance that the next watchOS major release will be iOS 17 compatible, but history says that is unlikely.

List of iOS 17 compatible iPhones

iPhone models compatible with iOS 17 - Apple Support

A new Apple Watch will need the paired iPhone to be using iOS 17. Your iPhone XR can support iOS 17 so it will be compatible.

Enjoy selecting and using your new Apple Watch - but note that the latest and greatest is now Apple Watch Series 9 (same compatibility as Series 8).

valeriefrommontréal wrote:

When the new iOS 18 comes out in 2024, will my XR still work with an Apple Watch 9? Thanks

The volunteers in this forum are just users like you, and do not know what iPhones will support iOS 18.

HOWEVER, your Apple Watch will not upgrade past watchOS 10 if that upgrade needs iOS 18, so your iPhone XR and Series 9 Apple Watch will continue to work together.

When iOS 18 is released next Fall, is when you will know for certain whether your iPhone XR will support iOS 18.

Thanks for your reply.

”HOWEVER, your Apple Watch will not upgrade past watchOS 10 if that upgrade needs iOS 18, so your iPhone XR and Series 9 Apple Watch will continue to work together. “

So my iPhone XR is currently compatible with the Apple Watch series 9 , but if my phone isn’t on the list to be compatible with the 2024 iOS 18 the watch will still work fine BUT not be able to use the features of any Watch iOS upgrade?

I hope that makes sense. I’m looking at buying the Apple Watch 9 today for Black Friday, but wasn’t planning on upgrading my iPhone in the next year.

When the new iOS 18 comes out in 2024, will my XR still work with an Apple Watch 9? Thanks