iPhone XS Max running iOS 18.7 can't pair with Apple Watch SE 3

pkcheck wrote:

I purchased Watch S3 today

I have iPhone XS Max and with iOS 18.7

When pairing, i get an error saying iOS out of date and this is the max version of iOS that I can get

How can i get my watch to pair and start using the watch?

This seems like quite stupid as Apple released their new watch and can't find any updated info on what OS version is required to pair

If this turns out that I require to purchase a new phone to get new watch paired, this is unacceptable to me as a customer. Apple should be asking this question right upfront when buying the Watch SE3.

A simple google search:

An Apple Watch SE 3 requires a newer iPhone model and the latest iOS to work; it does not support older iPhones or iOS versions. You'll need a compatible iPhone model and software to pair your watch, so if you have an older iPhone, you may need to upgrade for your new watch.

You have an outdated phone upgrade to a newer iphone so you can pair with the watch.

Why wouldn't you do some research first before buying a product?

“This seems like quite stupid as Apple released their new watch and can't find any updated info on what OS version is required to pair”

Just to make it less confusing they brought out WatchOS 26 with iOS26 - simple.

pkcheck wrote:

Hello, What does a newer iPhone model and latest iOS mean in the above? This is not referencing specific versions. And why should a google search be telling this?

Apple's error link from the phone actually takes me to this page Apple Watch and iPhone compatibility - Apple Support. This is the official Apple support page which is not updated

Do you see SE3 updated in there?

And legitimately any user trying to buy a Watch SE3 (or any other model) should explicitly be made aware of this limitation BEFORE buying. I bought from Apple's website, it should not be so hideous

Thank you for replying though, but I had done my research before posting here

That would imply an iphone that can be used ios 26 which is the latest ios, as stated again you have an outdated phone. upgrade to a newer one to use your watch.