AW 8 not working with iPhone X with iOS 16.7.4

[parajba]

Just purchased an Apple Watch Series 8 on the UK refurbished website for my daughter, who has an iPhone X with iOS 16.7.4. The latest version of the iOS available to her phone. Before buying the AW, I checked the compatibility list and it clearly stated from iPhone 8 or iOS 16. See link below.

We tried to pair it but the watch says it needs an iPhone Xs or iOS 17. As a loyal Apple user, gotta confess that I am very confused! Daughter is in tears as it was a present.

What am I missing?

Apple Watch Series 8 - Technical Specifications – Apple Support (UK)

support.apple.com

 

[StumpyBloke]

WatchOS 10 which I am assuming will have come with her watch, is not compatible with iOS 16 or lower. It also requires iPhone XS or newer.

 

[jz0309]

Just purchased an Apple Watch Series 8 on the UK refurbished website for my daughter, who has an iPhone X with iOS 16.7.4. The latest version of the iOS available to her phone. Before buying the AW, I checked the compatibility list and it clearly stated from iPhone 8 or iOS 16. See link below.

We tried to pair it but the watch says it needs an iPhone Xs or iOS 17. As a loyal Apple user, gotta confess that I am very confused! Daughter is in tears as it was a present.

What am I missing?

Apple Watch Series 8 - Technical Specifications – Apple Support (UK)

support.apple.com

the above - the watch came with watchOS 10 pre-installed.
I assume the "refurbished website" is Apple? then you should be able to return it, sorry, no other way around this

 

[parajba]

Yes, officially Apple refurbished website.
It’s plainly misleading as it states compatible with iPhone X and iOS 16 or above. It still says it if you look it up. I mean, they need to get their act together then. Can the store downgrade it to WatchOS 9 in this case?

 

[jz0309]

Yes, officially Apple refurbished website.
It’s plainly misleading as it states compatible with iPhone X and iOS 16 or above. It still says it if you look it up. I mean, they need to get their act together then. Can the store downgrade it to WatchOS 9 in this case?

you should contact Apple about this, it can be done but not sure if at a store

 

[parajba]

you should contact Apple about this, it can be done but not sure if at a store

What’s the best way to do this?

 

[jz0309]

What’s the best way to do this?

go to the Apple website and look for "contact us" and I'd suggest phone - I'm in California so not sure what works best for you in the UK