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iPhone 8 compatibility with Apple Watch SE

I am trying to connect an apple watch SE to iPhone 8. iPhone 8 cannot be upgraded to a version older than iOS 16.

Before the update, it was possible to connect both, but since the release of the recent IOS 17, it’s not possible anymore.


Is there any way to connect them or do I have to buy a new iPhone ?

Posted on Oct 4, 2023 2:25 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 30, 2024 8:32 PM

I just bought an Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen GPS 2023, and am currently trying to set it up, but when I try to scan the pattern in the watch app on my iPhone 8, it says that my iPhone is out of date. This is infuriating, as when I check APPLE DOT FRICKING COM, it just says that Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) is compatible with iPhone 8 or later, and iOS 16 or later. What the frick?

8 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 30, 2024 8:32 PM in response to unluka

I just bought an Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen GPS 2023, and am currently trying to set it up, but when I try to scan the pattern in the watch app on my iPhone 8, it says that my iPhone is out of date. This is infuriating, as when I check APPLE DOT FRICKING COM, it just says that Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) is compatible with iPhone 8 or later, and iOS 16 or later. What the frick?

Feb 10, 2024 5:39 AM in response to unluka

This totally sucks!! I have an iPhone 8 Plus with max memory. I was wearing my iwatch 7 and my strap broke. It hit the ground and the sensors busted. So I purchased another one but this one has been updated to iOS 10 and can no longer pair with my iPhone. I’ve tried two different watches same result. Same exact watch. The afib detection and ekg. Isaved my life twice. I’m retired and cannot afford a new phone. I have always been a staunch supporter of Apple products. I have apple everything. Tablet, 2 Mac computers. Now I’ve lost faith in apple. Apple had gotten greedy and no longer cares about their customers.

Oct 4, 2023 10:30 PM in response to unluka

Wondering which WatchOS is installed on the Watch: Eg: Watch OS 9 and Iphone iOS 16 are compatible.

You can not pair them if the Watch has WatchOS 10 installed.

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Apple Watch SE with watchOS 10 installed requires iPhone XS, iPhone XR or later with iOS 17

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For iPhone 8 with iOS16 and if the Watch SE has WatchOS 9 installed:


Maybe Apple support's online article can help:

What to do: If you can't pair an Apple Watch with your iPhone - Apple Support

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For more info. / support / contact / if needed:

Apple Watch - Official Apple Support Website

and

iPhone - Official Apple Support Website

iPhone 8 compatibility with Apple Watch SE

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