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User profile for user: 1-Man
1-Man Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Watch SE, iPhone 7, iOS 15

Apple Watch SE (1st generation) can be paired with iPhone 7 Plus according to Apple, but what happens exactly if it asks to update Watch OS to 9, which would bar it from setup since iPhone 7 is limited to iOS 15.8 and Watch OS 9 requires iOS 16 or later? Does Apple in this case allow the watch to NOT update its OS? Once the watch updates its OS, there is no turning back? And for that matter, with the defects and stories about iOS 15 update on older iPhones, it may not be worth updating to iOS 15 in order to activate the watch. Are there known issues still, with 15.8 now? Finally, is there any way whatsoever to run the watch just to tell time in the meantime, to avoid updating to iOS 15? Don't respond unless very accurate and specific to exactly the issue and precise questions here.

iPhone 7 Plus, iOS 12

Posted on Nov 15, 2023 2:17 PM

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User profile for user: IdrisSeabright
IdrisSeabright
User level: Level 10
170,939 points

Posted on Nov 15, 2023 3:09 PM

1-Man wrote:

Does Apple in this case allow the watch to NOT update its OS?  

You don't have to update the watch if you don't want to.

Once the watch updates its OS, there is no turning back? 

That is correct.


 And for that matter, with the defects and stories about iOS 15 update on older iPhones, it may not be worth updating to iOS 15 in order to activate the watch.  Are there known issues still, with 15.8 now?  

You will always see more complaints about particular versions of iOS in these forums that you will see people saying they have no problems because this is where people come when they have a problem. People who are having no trouble don't generally stop by to post "Everything's peachy! Bye!".


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User profile for user: IdrisSeabright
IdrisSeabright
User level: Level 10
170,939 points

Nov 15, 2023 3:09 PM in response to 1-Man

1-Man wrote:

Does Apple in this case allow the watch to NOT update its OS?  

You don't have to update the watch if you don't want to.

Once the watch updates its OS, there is no turning back? 

That is correct.


 And for that matter, with the defects and stories about iOS 15 update on older iPhones, it may not be worth updating to iOS 15 in order to activate the watch.  Are there known issues still, with 15.8 now?  

You will always see more complaints about particular versions of iOS in these forums that you will see people saying they have no problems because this is where people come when they have a problem. People who are having no trouble don't generally stop by to post "Everything's peachy! Bye!".


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User profile for user: 1-Man
1-Man Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Nov 15, 2023 4:25 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

Ok thanks. if pairing with iOS 16 it does require the update to OS9 or will not proceed, so take it that is not the case for iOS 15 from your response.


Right, only problems posted, am same way of course. If the 15 update on that older phone model drains its battery more or slows it way down and this is a known issue, it is not worth using the brand new watch. Restoring the phone is out of the question. Thanks

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User profile for user: IdrisSeabright
IdrisSeabright
User level: Level 10
170,939 points

Nov 15, 2023 4:32 PM in response to 1-Man

1-Man wrote:

Ok thanks. if pairing with iOS 16 it does require the update to OS9 or will not proceed, so take it that is not the case for iOS 15 from your response.

All I said was that you do not have to update your watch unless you have a reason to do so. It's up to you to figure out which system software versions will work for your devices and if they are compatible.

If the 15 update on that older phone model drains its battery more or slows it way down and this is a known issue,

But it's not a known issue.

Restoring the phone is out of the question.

I'm not sure how restoring the phone is related to your issue but I also don't understand why a basic troubleshooting step should be out of the question if required. As long as you regularly back up your phone, it's not a big deal.

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User profile for user: 1-Man
1-Man Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Nov 15, 2023 5:45 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

No, you are apparently unaware:  the watch update is required upon setup as I wrote, unless Apple allows iOS 15 exception?  The 1st generation SE (still being sold) is not latest OS out of box.


Not a known issue?  Okay, but awful lot of complaints on that.


Mentioned restore because once you update the iOS there is no going back!

Restoring to factory is a huge issue and certainly out of the question!  You can't trust a full auto backup with Apple, (some apps get pulled from App Store for example), not to mention many other potential problems, and the TIME.  Backed up manually, but again:  NOT worth that last resort if can be avoided.  If going to 15 causes phone problems, the watch is not worth it.  And if updating to 15 and then watch still won't pair, definitely not worth it!

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Watch SE, iPhone 7, iOS 15

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