Is there a way to use Series 1 Apple Watch for Basic Functions?

I just got back from the Genius Bar and was dismayed to find out that my series 1 Apple Watch is now basically an expensive paper weight.


No offense to Apple, but if you're going to sell your customers expensive jewelry, you shouldn't make them obsolete.


I understand that the Series 1 Watch may not have the capacity or features to operate with the latest IOS, but you should, at a minimum, still allow us to use the Series 1 Watches for the must basic functions (like TELLING THE TIME!).


Does anyone have a work around that I could at least use my Series 1 Watch on the most basic level?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Apple Watch (1st generation)

Posted on Dec 29, 2023 2:49 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 27, 2024 12:30 PM

I don't think your problem is a universal one - it probably involves getting a new phone without transferring data from an older one.


I bought my Apple Watch Series 1 in March 2018 and connected it with my iPhone 6. Later that year, I got an iPhone 7 and transferred everything to the new phone and only seemed to lose a little workout data. Last summer, I transferred everything from the iPhone 7 to an iPhone 14. I currently am running WatchOS 6.3 on the watch and iOS 17.3.1 on the iPhone and have no issues syncing my watch. Of course, I have no idea if I could add a "new" Series 1 at this point.


Some apps that I was using have lost support on the watch (Zwift, HeartCast, etc.) due to requiring WatchOS 8 or higher.... and I did have to replace the battery on my own last year (it swelled and popped the screen off - I fixed it with a $16 battery and kit off of Amazon), but all Apple apps and most others (Fly Delta, SleepWatch, Strava, Pandora, etc.) still work.


Most people are shocked that my watch is a Series 1 and that it still works (doing Apple Maps navigation, Walkie Talkie, Messages, Workouts, Weather, Siri, Music, etc.) more than 7 years after being introduced in Sep. 2016.


If nothing else, I'd think you could pick up or borrow an older iPhone to sync it with.

39 replies

Dec 29, 2023 5:10 PM in response to Blaine Damage

Then honestly…you have to think that about every single technology provider. It’s not an Apple slap to the face. It is the nature of technology. All technology. Regardless of brand. Expecting something different is not understanding the very nature of technology. Generally, Apple tends to support their products with updates and compatibility much longer than some other brands. And I say all of this not being loyal to Apple.

Dec 29, 2023 5:26 PM in response to Blaine Damage

If your primary purpose of buying a watch is time telling then a smart watch is absolutely not the route to go. It’s not realistic. 200 year old watches don’t use batteries of any type number one. So you’re trying to equate apples to dinosaurs. Definitely the wrong thing to even try to use in a debate. Ultimately, you know why your watch can no longer be used the way that you want. It was time to upgrade if you wanted to continue to use an Apple Watch and a compatible iPhone. Being a loyalist like you state it’s surprising that you would dig in so deeply about old tech that had stopped being supported 3+ years ago. Hope you enjoy your new watch.

Dec 31, 2023 6:57 AM in response to Rasdus

Hi Rasdus--I own a series 4 and an old series 1 watch. At some point in the software updating process my series 1 watch was no longer in the app, and I have no way to connect it. I don't really care about the functionality of apps, etc all that much--would just love to be able to set the correct time and date. So my complaint to apple is the lack of backward compatibility for this very basic function of a timepiece.

Jan 18, 2024 12:51 PM in response to PreferSimplicity

It's called "Apple Watch", but that doesn't mean it's a watch. It's a computer that's an extension of another device. Even a Fax Machine has several other dependencies. If I have a Fax Machine that only works with a POTS phone line; I can't expect the manufacturer to hand over a network card so I can keep faxing like it's 1999.


FWIW, I have a Series 1 Apple Watch that, powers, pairs with the iPhone, and does everything it's supposed to. Apple even replaced it at no cost several years back (swollen battery recall/battery) so it's just like new.

Maybe the "bricked" devices didn't get the replacement?


I'll even sell it to whoever wants it. 🤷

Jan 18, 2024 1:09 PM in response to creativecomponent

This seems a bit disingenuous. It would be like saying it's called "iPhone," but that doesn't mean it's a phone. This would be true as it's actually a computer with a phone attached. But I could go back to an original iPhone, and it may not update software to run modern apps, but it will still take calls. So it actually is a phone, with a computer is no longer up-to-date.


And if you think it's not jewelry, check out the markup on the bands Apple sells, which have become a massive profit center--for "technology" that debuted in the early 19th century. :)








Jan 28, 2024 12:55 PM in response to Blaine Damage

Okay, so you’ve learned a lesson. Resolve not to buy another smartwatch and go back to a mechanical or electric movement. You will find the same technology issues in other brands of smartwatches as well, not just Apple. Buying a smartwatch and expecting it to be supported forever isn’t part of the deal. Technology marches on and software advances.


I have a series 4 watch that I paid over $600.00 for. It’s now getting close to the end of its support life and I have a decision to make, same as you.


Oh, and I have a series 0 watch in the drawer, the first one that came out. It would need a new battery but wouldn’t be worth it because it cannot be used with current iPhone models.

Feb 27, 2024 12:35 PM in response to Christopher Kilner1

Thanks Chris. This is exactly what I've done next--a friend of mine gave me an old iPhone 6 to keep and just use to set the time on this watch.


The problem I'm having now is apparently the watch still thinks it's connected to a newer phone, so the password is not working.


Does anyone know how to "hard reset" a watch without being paired? I suppose there is no way to do this, if for anything it's a theft deterrent.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Is there a way to use Series 1 Apple Watch for Basic Functions?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.