Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen NOT compatible with iPhone8

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Level 1

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Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen NOT compatible with iPhone8

According to apple.com and your specs for which watches are compatible with which phones, this info is INCORRECT.

I bought my daughter an SE for xmas and her watch will NOT pair with her iPhone8. It's on iOS 16 and won't update past that but the watch seems to require a higher OS. Please update your website APPLE. i bought her this watch because your site said it was compatible and I cannot afford a new phone at this time. I'm thinking I might be able to roll back the watch to OS9 but I guess i have to go into the store to do that. Does anyone have any advice to offer in order to accomplish this?

Posted on Jan 9, 2025 8:01 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,025 points

Jan 10, 2025 1:44 AM in response to JuJuBee33

The article refers to the Apple Watch SE having watchOS 9 installed, when this model has been introduced.

But, newly sold Apple Watches are always updated to the latest watchOS, in the case of an Apple Watch SE 2nd. Gen, the latest version of watchOS 11. And this watchOS requires an iPhone XS ore newer, which is able to install iOS 18.

The only way to pair the watch would be asking the Apple Support at the Apple Store, if they can downgrade the watch.

Or using Apple Watch For Your Kids to set it up, without upgrading to a newer iPhone.

Set up Apple Watch for a family member - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Randy-12

Level 7

20,157 points

Jan 10, 2025 7:13 AM in response to JuJuBee33

If you read the fine print on the Apple watch purchase site (down near the bottom) it says:

Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch SE require iPhone Xs or later with iOS 18 or later.

Apple Watch SE - Apple (CA)

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Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen NOT compatible with iPhone8

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