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CMiller17-1
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

iPhone and Apple Watch software incompatible after IOS 27 update

I have an iPhone 16, fully updated to iOS 27.0.1, and I have an Apple Watch SE 2 and ever since updating to iOS 27 I have been unable to use my watch. I have read numerous people having the same issue, that in setup it says to update to watchOS 26.6 but it gives an error message. After spending hours daily trying to resolve this for weeks, I have found that my watch is incompatible with the current IOS update. It feels that I am stuck and wasted a lot of money on a device that Apple decided suddenly I’m not allowed to use anymore. Is there any workaround without reverting to a previous iOS update or am I stuck with a device I can never use? Or does Apple have any plans of setting up a way to allow compatibility between these separate updates even if it only allows limited functionality?

Posted on Oct 8, 2026 2:35 PM

4 replies

sberman
User level: Level 10 (280,982 points)

Oct 8, 2026 3:16 PM in response to CMiller17-1

Have you tried updating to watchOS 26.6 directly on your Apple Watch by doing Settings > General > Software Update on the Apple Watch itself (while the Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi)?

sberman
User level: Level 10 (280,982 points)

Oct 12, 2026 10:57 AM in response to CMiller17-1

Since others have reported this issue, Apple is likely aware of it. If you wish, you can add your feedback here.

Feedback - Watch - Apple


Brainsystems
User level: Level 1 (29 points)

Oct 8, 2026 7:11 PM in response to sberman

Having same problem like probably thousands of older watch users. I have a 7 and it wont get pass pairing as it wants to update first and it errors out. ,reset everything and no luck. I need to go back to microsoft

CMiller17-1 Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 12, 2026 3:44 AM in response to sberman

Yes I have tried that. Unfortunately it does not resolve my issue as Apple as decided that my watch can no longer receive updates so it can never be paired with my phone again since my phone is running on iOS 27 and the watch can only go up to watchOS 26.6.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256372744