How do I update my Apple Watch series 7 to watchOS 9 instead of 11.3.1?

Hello,

I hope you’re doing well. I have an iPhone 14 Pro Max running iOS 16.6.1 and an Apple Watch Series 7 with watchOS 8.1. I would like to update my Apple Watch to watchOS 9, but my watch is only offering an update to watchOS 11.3.1. I understand that if I update, my watch won’t work with my iPhone, which seems like a bug.

I believe the watch should update to watchOS 9, which is compatible with iOS 16.6.1. Could you please help me update to watchOS 9?

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,

Dmitry N.

[Edited by Moderator]