I have just purchased an Apple Watch 9 and before doing so checked, it would be compatible with my iPhone XR the answer was yes so I went ahead and purchased the watch, however the message on my iPhone is telling me that it doesn’t support the watch?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Apple Watch compatibility
iPhone XR, iOS 18
GargieAnnie wrote:
Thank you for the information. I did go to Apple support and try as they may. It appears that the watch has been updated, and as you say, it’s not compatible with my phone now
You're welcome. Maybe it's time for an iPhone upgrade as well?
lobsterghost1 is correct.
Apple compatibility information is not completely wrong, it is correct on hardware, but not detailed enough regarding software.
Thank you for the information. I did go to Apple support and try as they may. It appears that the watch has been updated, and as you say, it’s not compatible with my phone now
If the watch you purchased is running the current WatchOS 26 version, it won't be compatible with your iPhone XR. You'd need a newer iPhone which is capable of running iOS 26. iPhone XR cannot run anything higher than iOS 18.x.x
Apple Watch 9 compatibility issue with iPhone XR
