Is the Apple Watch compatible with iOS?
Which iPhone models are compatible with Apple Watch? Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3 require an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later. Apple Watch is only compatible with iPhone. For example, if compatible Wi-Fi is available and your iPhone isn’t in Bluetooth range, your Apple Watch uses Wi-Fi. If Bluetooth and Wi-Fi aren’t available, and you set up a cellular plan, cellular models of Apple Watch can connect to cellular networks.Learn what you can do with your Apple Watch when your iPhone isn’t with you. When your iPhone is off or out of range, your Apple Watch can use a Wi-Fi network to send and receive data. Your watch can also connect to a cellular network if it’s a cellular model.To set up and use an Apple Watch, you need the following: Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch Ultra, or later with watchOS 26 or later. Phone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later.OS 26 doesn’t support any iWatches; however, it does support Apple Watches (Series 6-11, SE 2 & 3, and Ultra – Ultra 3). You won’t be able to update an Apple Watch Series 4 to iOS 26, but it will continue to function.
Is iOS 26 required for Apple Watch?
If your Apple Watch isn’t compatible with the latest version of watchOS, Software Update will show you the newest version that your watch can use. Not all watchOS 26 features are available on all devices. Updating to watchOS 26 requires iPhone 11 or later, or iPhone SE (3rd generation) or later, with iOS 26. It was announced on June 9, 2025, at the 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025, and released on September 15, 2025. The successor to iOS 18, its version number was brought forward to 26 as Apple adopted a year-based convention for consistency across its operating systems.On Monday, September 15, the company will also release iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, and tvOS 26. The announcement came yesterday alongside the release of new release candidates versions of the major software updates.
Which iPhone do I need for an Apple Watch?
An iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14 or later for the initial watch setup. Find out more about Apple Watch and iPhone compatibility. An Apple Account for yourself and one for the family member who will use the Apple Watch. Your Apple Account needs to have two-factor authentication turned on. Use Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby If your Apple Watch has a cellular plan, you can stay connected even when away from your iPhone. For all other models of Apple Watch, there are still things you can do even when you’re away from your iPhone and not connected to Wi-Fi.When Apple Watch has a cellular connection to the same carrier used by your iPhone, you can make calls, reply to messages, use Walkie-Talkie, stream music and podcasts, receive notifications, and more, even when you don’t have your iPhone or Wi-Fi.
Which Apple Watch works with iOS 18?
New rules for Apple Watch compatibility with iPhones: If your iPhone supports iOS 18, it will pair with any Apple Watch. If you have an iPhone 8 or iPhone X, it will pair with a Series 4, Series 5, or SE 1st generation Apple Watch on watchOS 9 or earlier, and any Apple Watch before that. Check your Apple Watch compatibility watchOS 26 is compatible with these Apple Watch models: Apple Watch SE 2 and later. Apple Watch Series 6 and later. Apple Watch Ultra and later.All Apple smartphones from 2019’s iPhone 11 or newer can install iOS 26. All tablets from the 2018 iPad Pro or 2019 iPad Air (3rd gen), iPad mini (5th gen) or iPad (8th gen) and newer can install iPadOS 26. All Apple Watches from the 2020’s Series 6 or newer can install watchOS 26.
What’s the newest Apple Watch?
Apple Watch Series 11. From $399 or $33. But let’s say you want to grab a discount on a brand-new device that was unveiled this year, like the Watch SE 3 or Watch Series 11 (or even the pricier Ultra 3). Deals events like Black Friday, Cyber Week, and Prime Day are your best bets for finding a decent deal on recently released products, such as Apple Watches.