Why won't my Apple Watch 8 pair with iPhone 8?

My wife has just bought a watch series 8, chosen because she has iPhone 8 and this page on the Apple Support website says watch series 9 would not be compatible while series 8 is

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/118490

However, the watch insists on iOS 18 and the phone says it cannot pair with the watch.

Any help much appreciated.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on May 12, 2025 10:23 AM

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Posted on May 13, 2025 12:14 AM

Only the official Appel Support might be able to help.

This user contacted the official Apple Support, explained the issue, and Apple downgraded the watchOS, so that the watch could be paired with the older iPhone:

Why won't my Apple Watch SE pair with my … - Apple Community


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Why won't my Apple Watch 8 pair with iPhone 8?

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