Apple watch SE compatible with Iphone 8?

Have you had the Genius Bar appt and any luck downgrading the watch OS?

Re: Apple watch SE compatible with Iphone 8?

Seems it is the operating systems (OS) that need to be compatible:

iPhone 8 with iOS 16 needs a Watch with at least iOS 9 ,

so yes, iOS 9 can be installed on Apple Watch SE (1st gen or later)

More info:

"watchOS 9 is compatible with these Apple Watch models:

• Apple Watch Series 4 and later
• Apple Watch SE (1st generation) and later
• Apple Watch Ultra"

"Updating to watchOS 9 also requires one of these iPhone models:

• iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16
• iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later with iOS 16"

Above is from the article: Update your Apple Watch - Apple Support

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Also: About watchOS 9 Updates - Apple Support says the latest version is watchOS 9.6.2

brbo wrote:

As far as I know:

purchasers may need to update new devices to the newest iOS,

(eg: during or after set-up). Generally OS versions can not be down-graded.

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Correct, but based on iphone 7 owners experiences with watches on OS8, if the Watch on OS9 is paired to the iphone8 it should not ask to be updated to OS10 provided any updates are requested through the iphone Watch app and not via Watch settings.

However if the watch is ever serviced by Apple it will come back on OS10

sktn77a wrote:

I can assure you the Apple watch SE (Gen 2) does NOT work with a iphone 8.

Cost me $100 in "restocking fees" to find that out!!!

What I said in September was correct.

”FWIW, iph one 8 with ios16 can pair with Watch on OS9

Huys_Arthur there is no way of knowing if the SE will be sold with OS9 or 10, though I would bet OS9 is more likely”

ON SEPTEMBER 18

You have to have watch ios 10 which can only be loaded with a iPhone newer than XS.

then the iPhone 8 needs ios 17 which is not supported.

so, you need a newer phone to work with any watch with wios 10.

[Edited by Moderator]

We are all Apple users, like yourself, so we can not promise what Apple will or will not do. You would need to discuss the precise details and timings of the particular transaction (eg: with a consultant at shopping help, or in store) before check-out.

As far as I know:

purchasers may need to update new devices to the newest iOS,

(eg: during or after set-up). Generally OS versions can not be down-graded.

You could chat with someone at Apple if you wish:

Eg: See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

sktn77a wrote:

I can assure you the Apple watch SE (Gen 2) does NOT work with a iphone 8.

Cost me $100 in "restocking fees" to find that out!!!

If you buy direct from Apple, there are no restocking fees

Returns & Refunds - Shopping Help - Apple

You can’t add a cell plan to a pre wios 10 watch via a phone. It will work standalone with it’s own number.

ZintainUSA wrote:

As long as the watch hasn’t been updated to WatchOS 9 then it shouldn’t be an issue.

FWIW, iphone 8 with ios16 can pair with Watch on OS9

Huys_Arthur there is no way of knowing if the SE will be sold with OS9 or 10, though I would bet OS9 is more likely. How lucky do you feel?

I have just received an iwatch se 2 for Christmas. I have an iPhone 8 with all updates The watch would not pair. Message was I needed an update but there are no more updates. I am on 16.7.4

reading other blogs it seems that if I want to upgrade my watch I will need a later phone. What a rip off

As long as the watch hasn’t been updated to WatchOS 9 then it shouldn’t be an issue.

I can assure you the Apple watch SE (Gen 2) does NOT work with a iphone 8.

Cost me $100 in "restocking fees" to find that out!!!

I have an appointment with the geniuses to see if they can downgrade the se2nd gen watch so I can pair it to my iphone8plus. Details of appt to follow

I have Apple 8plus and it’s not compatible with my Apple SE watch, well I’ve no intention of upgrading my phone, yes that’s what you call a rip off