Do I have to install iOS 13 to activate Series 5?

[I Need a Drink]

I have a iPhone XR, still on iOS 12.4.1. I picked up a Series 5 this morning from Verizon, but I haven't opened it and paired it with my phone yet. I really don't want to install iOS 13 and would rather wait until Tuesday for 13.1 because of all the bugs that I have been reading. I obviously haven't tried to pair the watch yet, as I've said, I haven't even opened the box yet, but I was just curious if I have to be on 13 for the Series 5 to pair?

 

[mk313]

I had to upgrade my iPhone in order to pair my series 5 watch. I tried just using the watch with my phone as is but got an error that my phone needed to upgraded first.

 

[deeddawg]

WatchOS6 requires iOS13

BTW what bugs? I’m sure there are some but I’ve not noticed any.

 

[greenbre]

I have a iPhone XR, still on iOS 12.4.1. I picked up a Series 5 this morning from Verizon, but I haven't opened it and paired it with my phone yet. I really don't want to install iOS 13 and would rather wait until Tuesday for 13.1 because of all the bugs that I have been reading. I obviously haven't tried to pair the watch yet, as I've said, I haven't even opened the box yet, but I was just curious if I have to be on 13 for the Series 5 to pair?

I plan to purchase an AW5 this week. But I am currently using an iPhone 5S, which uses 124.1. Stop laughing 😌 Will the watch even work? Is this a pointless idea?

Yes, I do plan to purchase a new phone soon, probably an iPhone 8. I was hoping to hold out for the new SE model because I really want a very small phone that fits in my pocket. But that is only a rumour I heard about a new SE model.

 

[deeddawg]

I plan to purchase an AW5 this week. But I am currently using an iPhone 5S, which uses 124.1. Stop laughing 😌 Will the watch even work? Is this a pointless idea?

Yes, I do plan to purchase a new phone soon, probably an iPhone 8. I was hoping to hold out for the new SE model because I really want a very small phone that fits in my pocket. But that is only a rumour I heard about a new SE model.

Unless you can load IOS13 on your phone don’t buy a Series5.

edit: I’ve not followed the phone stuff but I’d think it’d be very out of character for Apple to surprise-announce another phone anytime soon. Unless they’ve announced something coming later, I’d bank on what we have now being what we have for the next year.

 

[Dwood1970]

I plan to purchase an AW5 this week. But I am currently using an iPhone 5S, which uses 124.1. Stop laughing Will the watch even work? Is this a pointless idea?

Yes, I do plan to purchase a new phone soon, probably an iPhone 8. I was hoping to hold out for the new SE model because I really want a very small phone that fits in my pocket. But that is only a rumour I heard about a new SE model.

You will not be able to pair the watch with a 5s.