Researching on apple sites said that I could use an iPhone 8 running iOS 16 to pair an apple ultra watch so I purchased a refurbished ultra. The ultra is saying I must update to iOS 18; what up with that?
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iPhone 8 Plus, iOS 16
When the Apple Watch Ultra had been released, it came with watchOS 9, and you could pair it to an iPhone running iOS 16.
Apple Watch and iPhone compatibility - Apple Support
But, newly sold Apple Watches are updated to the latest watchOS, which requires iPhones being able to install iOS 18, in the case of watchOS 11.
Some users managed to get their Apple Watch downgraded by Apple, but I would recommend buying a newer iPhone, to be able to use all watchOS 11 features.
Why won't my Apple Watch SE pair with my … - Apple Community
When the Apple Watch Ultra had been released, it came with watchOS 9, and you could pair it to an iPhone running iOS 16.
Apple Watch and iPhone compatibility - Apple Support
But, newly sold Apple Watches are updated to the latest watchOS, which requires iPhones being able to install iOS 18, in the case of watchOS 11.
Some users managed to get their Apple Watch downgraded by Apple, but I would recommend buying a newer iPhone, to be able to use all watchOS 11 features.
Why won't my Apple Watch SE pair with my … - Apple Community
Fun fact, if you read the disclaimer on the website, it will say that you will need a iPhone X or later. So, sorry!
Yeah, silly me thinking that looking up my question on an Apple website and finding a chart that shows which phones can be used with each watch would give me correct information.
Should've known that the information would be incorrect and out of date.
Should've known I would have to read pages of fine print to get some hint that there would be an issue and then have to go to chat forums to find out the whole truth.
Turns out apple screwed up legally and the main reason I had for wanting the apple watch (SPO2) isn't even available anymore.
Guess I will have to return that expensive neutered apple watch and get one off of Amazon for 1/10th the price that actually will do what it advertises.
My how I miss what Apple used to be. Give them ten more years and they will be msGabble.
Pairing Apple Watch Ultra with iPhone 8 running iOS 16
