Apple recently announced iOS 17, the latest version of the iPhone operating system, at their annual WWDC conference. iOS 17 brings new features(watchOS Series Compatible With iOS 17 )like customizable lock screens, unsend and edit sent messages, and major updates to first-party apps like Maps, Wallet, and Home.
With the release of watchOS Series Compatible With iOS 17, Apple also announced watchOS 10, the next version of the Apple Watch operating system. watchOS 10 includes new watch faces, updated workout types, enhanced sleep tracking capabilities, and more.
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If you’re wondering whether your Apple Watch will be compatible with iOS 17, read on. This article will cover which Apple Watch models can be updated to watchOS 10 and paired with iPhones running iOS 17.
Overview of Apple Watch and iOS Compatibility
In general, Apple Watches require a paired iPhone running a recent version of iOS to operate. Specific watchOS releases are designed to work with specific iOS versions.
For example, the original Apple Watch models (Series 0 and Series 1) cannot be updated past watchOS 5 and are not compatible with iOS 16 or later. WatchOS updates add new features and require more advanced hardware over time.
With the release of watchOS 10, Apple has stated it will require an iPhone model from the iPhone XS/XR generation or later. These models were first released in 2018 and support iOS 17.
Here’s a quick overview of which Apple Watch models are compatible with iOS 17 and watchOS 10:
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Ultra
The only requirement is that these Apple Watch models must be paired to an iPhone model capable of running iOS 17 for full functionality.
Next, let’s take a closer look at the compatibility specifics for iOS 17 and watchOS 10.
iOS 17 Compatibility
Apple announced iOS 17 at WWDC 2022 in June and plans to release it to the public on September 18, 2023.
iOS 17 can be installed on the following iPhone models:
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
Essentially, iOS 17 can be installed on any iPhone model from the iPhone XS/XR generation (released in 2018) forward.
The full list of iOS 17 compatible devices includes:
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
As long as you have one of these iPhone models, you’ll be able to install iOS 17 when it is publicly released.
watchOS 10 Compatibility
watchOS 10 was announced alongside iOS 17 at WWDC 2022. It will be publicly released on September 18, 2023.
To pair with an iPhone running iOS 17 and access all watchOS 10 features, your Apple Watch will need to be one of the following models:
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Ultra
Here are the key details on compatibility for each model:
Apple Watch Series 4: This model was released in 2018. It is compatible with watchOS 10 when paired with an iPhone model running iOS 17.
Apple Watch Series 5: Released in 2019, the Series 5 supports the latest watchOS 10 update. You’ll need an iPhone with iOS 17 to use all features.
Apple Watch SE: The SE model was released in 2020. It supports watchOS 10 when connected to an iPhone on iOS 17.
Apple Watch Series 6: Also released in 2020, the Series 6 is compatible with watchOS 10 and iOS 17.
Apple Watch Series 7: Apple’s 2021 Watch model supports the new watchOS 10 platform. An iPhone running iOS 17 is required.
Apple Watch Series 8: This brand new 2022 model was designed specifically for watchOS 10 and iOS 17 compatibility.
Apple Watch Ultra: The rugged Ultra model is Apple’s newest Watch for 2022. It launched alongside the Series 8 and fully supports watchOS 10 and iOS 17.
The only requirement for your Apple Watch is that it must be paired to an iPhone model capable of running iOS 17 to successfully update to watchOS 10.
Without an iOS 17 compatible iPhone, your Apple Watch won’t be able to update to watchOS 10 even if the model itself supports it.
Key Features in watchOS 10
Updating to watchOS 10 will bring some great new capabilities and features to your Apple Watch.
Here are some of the highlights:
- New watch faces – watchOS 10 includes 4 new watch faces: Lunar, Playtime, Metropolitan, and Astronomy. The Astronomy face changes in real time based on your location and time of day.
- Enhanced workout types – Running metrics like Stride Length, Ground Contact Time, and Vertical Oscillation are added to the Workout app. There are also enhanced metrics for HIIT, swimming, and other workout types.
- Sleep stages tracking – watchOS 10 uses motion sensors and heart rate to estimate when you are in REM, Core, or Deep sleep. This data shows up in both the Sleep app on Apple Watch and the Health app on iPhone.
- Medications app – The new Medications app lets you create a medications list, set schedules and reminders, and track information about the medicines and supplements you take.
- AFib history – The Health app on iPhone will provide deeper insights into your history of detected atrial fibrillation (AFib) episodes.
- Apple Watch Mirroring – With iOS 17 and watchOS 10, you can mirror your Apple Watch display directly to your iPhone for remote demonstrations and control.
These major improvements, along with many smaller changes, make watchOS 10 a great update for Apple Watch users. Upgrading to it requires that your Apple Watch is compatible and paired with an iPhone running iOS 17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Apple Watch compatibility with iOS 17 and watchOS 10:
What iPhones are compatible with iOS 17?
iOS 17 is compatible with iPhone models going back to the iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and iPhone 11 ranges. Essentially, any iPhone model released in 2018 or later supports iOS 17.
Is the original Apple Watch Series 0 or Series 1 compatible with watchOS 10?
No. The original Apple Watch models cannot be updated past watchOS 5. watchOS 10 requires an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer.
Can I use Apple Watch Series 4 with iOS 16?
Yes. Apple Watch Series 4 will continue running watchOS 9 when paired to an iPhone on iOS 16. However, it won’t get full watchOS 10 functionality without upgrading your iPhone to iOS 17.
If I have an iPhone 11, can I update to watchOS 10?
Yes. As long as your iPhone is running iOS 17, an Apple Watch Series 4 through Series 8 can be updated to watchOS 10 for full compatibility.
Do I need to update my iPhone to iOS 17 to use an Apple Watch Series 8?
Yes. The new Series 8 model requires iOS 17 on your paired iPhone to access all of the features in watchOS 10. You’ll need to update your compatible iPhone to iOS 17 first.
Can Apple Watch SE use watchOS 10 with an iPhone XS Max?
Yes. Apple Watch SE supports watchOS 10. As long as the paired iPhone is an XS model or later running iOS 17, full watchOS 10 functionality will work.
What’s the oldest iPhone model compatible with my Apple Watch Series 7?
The oldest iPhone you can pair with a Series 7 for watchOS 10 compatibility is the iPhone XS released in 2018. Any iPhone model earlier than XS is not supported.
Conclusion
To recap, watchOS 10 requires an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer, while iOS 17 is compatible with iPhone models going back to the iPhone XS/XR generation released in 2018.
Upgrading your supported iPhone to iOS 17 is necessary to get full watchOS 10 functionality on Apple Watch Series 4 through Series 8 models.
The latest software versions unlock great new Apple Watch features like updated watch faces, sleep stage tracking, AFib history, mirrored Apple Watch display, and much more.
Check your Apple Watch and iPhone models against the compatibility lists to see if you can update to watchOS 10 and iOS 17 when they are publicly released. This will ensure you get access to all the latest capabilities Apple has developed for their Apple Watch ecosystem.