Apple Watch pairing: update iOS error despite 16.7 updated

My Apple Watch SE won't pair with my iPhone 8 Plus. iOS is updated (16.7) but I keep getting an "update iOS message. Have restarted both watch and phone, but no luck. Any suggestions?

iPhone 8 Plus, iOS 16

Posted on Sep 22, 2023 09:16 PM

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Posted on Dec 14, 2023 01:38 AM

I sent my watch off to Apple and they downgraded the OS on the watch, when i got ot back it paired with my Apple iPhone 8 on IOS 16.7.2. Works perfectly now

13 replies

Feb 14, 2024 01:07 PM in response to erdapfelgal

This is nothing more than Apple trying to increase sales at the expense of its customers. Sooner or later everyone will be bitten by Apple's marketing policies. In a client server relationship like the iPhone and Apple Watch you should be able to change the code and processor in the iPhone all you want and not obsolete older phones that talk to a Watch.

Oct 12, 2023 09:58 AM in response to tucsonrv

WatchOS17 requires iPhone update IOS17 or newer. iOS 17 is only available on iPhone XS or newer. Phones that have the A12 Bionic chip. (iPhone XS, XR, and newer.) Unfortunately the original iPhone X and older model phones are not supported by iOS 17. Only series 4 watches and newer are available for the WatchOS10 update. Series 3 and older will not get it. Hope this helps!

Oct 12, 2023 10:00 AM in response to erdapfelgal

As I stated to one guy, I’ll just copy and paste for you as well.


“WatchOS17 requires iPhone update IOS17 or newer. iOS 17 is only available on iPhone XS or newer. Phones that have the A12 Bionic chip. (iPhone XS, XR, and newer.) Unfortunately the original iPhone X and older model phones are not supported by iOS 17. Only series 4 watches and newer are available for the WatchOS10 update. Series 3 and older will not get it. Hope this helps!”


the only way to get the update is to get a new phone. Getting a new watch that’s already on WatchOs10 will not work! Have to upgrade phone models.

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Apple Watch pairing: update iOS error despite 16.7 updated

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