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Running IOS 16.6, online states the 11 should pair w new SE watch
when pairing it’s stated I need iOS 18.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Can you visit an official Apple Store next to your place? Some users reported, that the Apple Genius Bar people can downgrade watchOS on a new watch, to match your older iOS version on your iPhone.
Calling the official Apple Support might also work:
You can update your iPhone 11 to iOS 18.1, it will not support Apple Intelligence:
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copied from: How to get Apple Intelligence - Apple Support
New Apple Watches come with the newest watchOS installed, in this case watchOS 11, which then requires an iPhone with iOS 18 installed.
Apple Watch and iPhone compatibility - Apple Support
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To set up and use a new Apple Watch, you need iPhone XS or later with iOS 18. Learn how to identify your iPhone model and how to update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.
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copied from: Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support
I have an Apple Watch SE which is perfectly paired with an iPhone 11 running iOS 17.4.1 now and was previously perfectly paired with versions 16 of iOS.
Disappointed to have to purchase a new phone, since the 11 shows error on every attempt to upgrade software. Don’t really want iOS 18 and AI , nor replacing my current phone. Guess I’ll return the watch
Update the iPhone from the Software Update function in Settings or from a computer; pairing any watch on 11 or newer requires 18.
(256781)
Unable to pair my Apple Watch SE with iPhone 11
