How to downgrade watch OS 6 to watch OS version which is suitable for iPhone 6

[rumr46556]

Hello, I am a newbies.

i am always browse MacRumors everyday. I join now cos I would like to get advice from members of this forum so eagerly which I would like to buy an Apple Watch series 3 for my Dad. But my Dad is using iPhone 6 . How can I downgrade watch OS 6 back to watch OS 5.

The scenario is:

Today I go to Apple Store to pickup an AW series 3 for my dad but it is unsuccessful because store assistant told me that AW series 3 MUST PAIR with iPhone 6 S or above which there is a clause underneath on the Apple website, but I have oversighted that clause when I place online order. Moreover, all AW series 3 is upgraded to OS 6 which is no AW series 3 with lower OS version in stock which that watch has to be refund. how can I downgrade watch os 6? I want to buy an AW series 3 to my dad, then he can use it to remind his medication where he is on the street and can use Walkie-Talkie to call my mother which she is using AW series 3 paired with iPhone XR.

Does AW series 3 suppose to pair with iPhone 6?

Any help is highly appreciated.


Thank you in advance.

Yours Sincerely,
rumr46556

 

[Der Keyser]

Can’t be done unfortunately. Your dad either has to get e newer phone, or you will have to find a used watch that has not been upgraded to WatchOS 6 yet

 

[rumr46556]

Thanks for the advice. However the apple store assistant said that the AW series 3 in stock had been upgraded to OS 6 after September 19. But I am wondering why I cannot make that choice to buy the AW series 3 w/OS other than version 6. All comment of different websites on AW series 3 is good as well as C/P. I persuade my old dad so many years to use AW. Now I have to continue the journey of Persuade.

So disappointing!

Now I am stuck on my old dad iPhone cos AW series 3 cannot pair with iPhone 6 which should be originally paired on 2017, not on 2019. Can I get that choice? I mean my old dad can upgrade later to OS 6 by replacing his phone or he can use his old iPhone 6 paired with AW series 3 w/OS 5.sth.
For example, there is a scanner once as a new product two years ago, now I buy that scanner, I can get and make choice about updating the scanner firmware or not to match my mac. Now I cannot get that choice and Apple force a customer like me to throw away the old one to buy new one which my dad doesn't use new function which Watch OS 6 is implemented. He just uses reminder and would like to not miss any calls/messages when he is on the street/function.
I feel that this issue is just like the battery issue on iphone after the forced update a few years back.

Thank you very much.

 

[Shirasaki]

You have no other choice but find a used Apple Watch series 3 that is loaded with watchOS 5 or lower. Regarding your scanner scenario, this is how in 2019, companies lay down their planned obsolescence to force everyone from using “older” still fully functional hardware. Apple is notorious for that and sadly they will keep pushing this approach alongside pretty much everybody else on earth. Who cares about customer experiences when you can just cooperatively create a huge monopoly.

Because of this exact reason, I did not upgrade my used Apple Watch series 3 to watchOS 6, knowing that it might still be compatible with older iPhone.

 

[slomtbr]

The refurbished watches on Apple's website have an iPhone 6 (not S) requirement, so maybe they haven't been upgraded to WatchOS 6
There are series 3 watches on Amazon with WatchOS 5

 

[tamara6]

or find a new stock series 4 Apple Watch, because they won't have been updated by apple, since apple stopped selling them (and moved to series 5) when they brought out WatchOS 6. So a new series 4 should still be able to be paired with iPhone 6.

There are still places that are selling new series 4 watches, and for a discount, you just have to look for them.

 

[rumr46556]

It is so pity that I am neither an EU nor US. So I seek expert advice here to do abnormal thing like downgrade OS after I bought that watch, if. I have searched all carriers and consumer store, no luck. I think that there should be some in ebay. It is very hard to persuade the elders to give up the watch he always wears on a few decades. I try my best.

I understand everyone on earth HAVE to eat which is, you have to pay what Apple want, not what you want, not a CUSTOMER want.
In terms of business, every website comment on the AW series 3 is worth buying if you don't use ECG and fall detection, but the ultimate goal is to ask you to buy new phone. This is really smart move.
That AW requirement published on its website is in small print which you would be overlooked even the Apple store assistant did not know that requirement. At first, they asked my dad to update his phone iOS to 12.4.3 to pair the new watch. After that, the store assistant tried to pair the new AW series 3 but still no luck. Afterwards, they found out my dad's phone was iPhone 6. Then the store assistant asked me to buy a new phone or bring another phone to pair that series 3. I asked what happen. At that time, I read that clause [small print] in my ios app "Apple store" in the first time which was told by another store assistant.
Apple ultimate goal is reached that it leads you step by step to buy a new phone. Falling...to another trap/tricks. So refund was immediately undergoing but I had to wait 2-3 weeks to get that refund cos' I ordered that series 3 on Apple store sales hotline.
Why sales hotlines DID not mention that one? Why? Why my father and I go to Apple store to take a look and try it on the wrist first before buying, no one / no store assistant mention that Series 3 HAVE/ MUST be paired with iPhone 6S or above? Why? Why they have no obligation? What is the top-tier purchase experience?


So helpless!😞


Best wishes to you all. Thank you very much.Thank you very much.

 

[Shirasaki]

To be frank, you bought series 3 literally one year later. Here is the story: series 3 supports watchOS 6, even though it came with watchOS 4 preinstalled by the time it was released In 2018-ish. If you bought it one year earlier, you would’ve had a series 3 watch with watchOS 5 on it. Now, not anymore, especially after Apple stops selling series 4.

For watchOS downgrade, only warehouses with special tools can physically downgrade watchOS to an older version, and they do this on a per-case basis. Since Apple forces people to not downgrade software, your new series 3 will not have its watchOS downgraded. Call it anti-customer all you want, but cooperative monopoly becomes far more powerful than it was before.

 

[rumr46556]

Suppose I pay. Suppose the choice I CAN make.👿

I have checked the facts that there is small / little window to buy that AW.S3 is still OS 5.sth and can be paired with iPhone 6, the period is 9-11 [event day] - 9-19 [OS 6 release day]. But I have a question that how Apple update AW, I mean AW out-of production-line and the stocks in warehouse and packed-in-a-box and not-yet-open and NEW and not-yet paired to any iphone. How can Apple update?

Apple give the customer like me without choice. It is falling. This leaves us no choice to make just like Jony Ive, former Chief Designer, which he chose to leave. Or like G.g.e OS A.9 that policy is no good which the OS update is small on the market share. It is kind of signal.😑

That kind of special warehouse is none in my area. Thank you very much.

 

[i486dx2-66]

It's still plenty possible to find what you're after, and without resorting to buying used.

My wife bought a S3 LTE a few weeks back, brand new sealed package from a big-box retailer, and it came with WatchOS 5.0.1.

They might have been completely flushed from Apple's stores due to their high sales volume... but other retailers who have older stock of the watches will still have what you need.

 

[NoBoMac]

But I have a question that how Apple update AW, I mean AW out-of production-line and the stocks in warehouse and packed-in-a-box and not-yet-open and NEW and not-yet paired to any iphone. How can Apple update?

They don't.

As others mentioned, the inventory in Apple Stores turn over sufficiently enough that the store most likely will have a recently manufactured watch with a version of WatchOS 6 installed.

For example, I bought a Series 3 from an Apple Store a few days before the Series 5 came out. It came with OS 5. BUT, the watch's manufacture date was two months prior and believe came with older version of 5 (5.2.1; seem to recall updated to 5.3 as soon as I had it set-up).

Apple follows a lean manufacturing process, where they build/replenish inventory on an as-needed basis. Once the older S3 watches are low/out in inventory, new ones are manufactured and get the new OS. And guessing off my scenario, at this point, odds are slim that any Apple Store will have a S3 with OS 5 (getting close to the 2mo window that I saw).

 

[rumr46556]

It's still plenty possible to find what you're after, and without resorting to buying used.

My wife bought a S3 LTE a few weeks back, brand new sealed package from a big-box retailer, and it came with WatchOS 5.0.1.

They might have been completely flushed from Apple's stores due to their high sales volume... but other retailers who have older stock of the watches will still have what you need.

Congratulation to you,
i486dx2-66

You can get you want.👍

That Apple store assistant told me that all AW S3 was already upgraded to OS 6 in that store, so they knew that they made a mistake AT THAT MOMENT which there was impossible to get that refund for a customer in my area[no policy supported in Apple store], they still got me a refund immediately. Just like I hadn't ordered that watch, no trace. On that day afterwards, I called online store hotline and asked him about that. That hotline assistant told me that Apple would like to give MAXIMUM user experience to customers to use OS 6 and there is none of AW.S3 running on OS 5.sth on any other Apple retail store in stock. NO LUCK.

There is still much more option for me to choose like I persuade my old dad to use FACEID or buy a heavy iphone 8 to him.
[automerge]1573632761[/automerge]

They don't.

As others mentioned, the inventory in Apple Stores turn over sufficiently enough that the store most likely will have a recently manufactured watch with a version of WatchOS 6 installed.

For example, I bought a Series 3 from an Apple Store a few days before the Series 5 came out. It came with OS 5. BUT, the watch's manufacture date was two months prior and believe came with older version of 5 (5.2.1; seem to recall updated to 5.3 as soon as I had it set-up).

Apple follows a lean manufacturing process, where they build/replenish inventory on an as-needed basis. Once the older S3 watches are low/out in inventory, new ones are manufactured and get the new OS. And guessing off my scenario, at this point, odds are slim that any Apple Store will have a S3 with OS 5 (getting close to the 2mo window that I saw).

OIC. Thank you very much. I learn.😁

In the other words, Apple retail store still get some watch w/OS 5.sth in stock I guess but cannot sell to customers because OS 6 is out and cannot maximize the profit. [Push customer to buy much more profitable iPhone]

 

[i486dx2-66]

@rumr46556, you're missing the point-
You have to go somewhere *other* than the Apple retail or online stores.

You need a third-party seller, who would have purchased their inventory earlier (just a few months earlier), and has that older product on their shelves. Any big-box store, electronics store, cellular provider, etc who sells the watch. Anyone other than Apple.

 

[rumr46556]

@rumr46556, you're missing the point-
You have to go somewhere *other* than the Apple retail or online stores.

You need a third-party seller, who would have purchased their inventory earlier (just a few months earlier), and has that older product on their shelves. Any big-box store, electronics store, cellular provider, etc who sells the watch. Anyone other than Apple.

Thanks for the suggestions 👍 . I have checked my mobile carrier as well as my dad's, or electronic store after. The leftover is AW.S4 w/LTE. So LATE.

Other than the official channel, I have bought that without warranty. Just like member "NoBoMAC" said that there is no chance to buy that. Thanks anyway. One more option I can make it possible is JB "Checkmate".

One thing I feel lucky😅 that if I chose to get that watch at home, I maybe / would be NOT get that refund immed. and that watch is no use to anybody because the refund policy does not apply in my area. The main reason Why I chose to pickup at store is that I would like to ask store assistant to teach my old dad to add medicine reminder on that watch by himself later if he wants more, and setup onsite that my old dad can use that reminder immed., if my old dad is now wearing.

Thank you very much.😁

Universe has its own destiny.

 

[tamara6]

A leftover S4 would also pair with the iPhone 6.

If it is new, even if you don't buy it directly from Apple, you can still get the apple warrantee for it. You can buy the warrantee online, you don't have to buy it at an apple store. You have up to 60 days after your purchase of the watch to buy the AppleCare warrantee for it.

Also, you can buy an S4 from some other store and then go to the apple store and they can show your dad how to set it up. Apple will support you with an apple product, even if you don't buy it from an apple store.

 

[rumr46556]

A leftover S4 would also pair with the iPhone 6.

If it is new, even if you don't buy it directly from Apple, you can still get the apple warrantee for it. You can buy the warrantee online, you don't have to buy it at an apple store. You have up to 60 days after your purchase of the watch to buy the AppleCare warrantee for it.

Also, you can buy an S4 from some other store and then go to the apple store and they can show your dad how to set it up. Apple will support you with an apple product, even if you don't buy it from an apple store.

Thank you for the advice. I will try my best. But I am not sure the leftover which is not yet updated to OS 6 or not. Anyway I would try my best. Thank you very much.😀

 

[Elitegate]

Hello, I am a newbies.

i am always browse MacRumors everyday. I join now cos I would like to get advice from members of this forum so eagerly which I would like to buy an Apple Watch series 3 for my Dad. But my Dad is using iPhone 6 . How can I downgrade watch OS 6 back to watch OS 5.

The scenario is:

Today I go to Apple Store to pickup an AW series 3 for my dad but it is unsuccessful because store assistant told me that AW series 3 MUST PAIR with iPhone 6 S or above which there is a clause underneath on the Apple website, but I have oversighted that clause when I place online order. Moreover, all AW series 3 is upgraded to OS 6 which is no AW series 3 with lower OS version in stock which that watch has to be refund. how can I downgrade watch os 6? I want to buy an AW series 3 to my dad, then he can use it to remind his medication where he is on the street and can use Walkie-Talkie to call my mother which she is using AW series 3 paired with iPhone XR.

Does AW series 3 suppose to pair with iPhone 6?

Any help is highly appreciated.


Thank you in advance.

Yours Sincerely,
rumr46556

Apple doesn't allow downgrading. Any Series 3 that you buy new from Apple will very likely already run watchOS 6 by now. Your best option is to get a used Series 3 that runs watchOS 5 or below.

watchOS 6 also requires iOS 13, which the 6 and 6 Plus cannot run. Why not get your Dad a used 6s or SE?

 

[rumr46556]

Thank you very much for your advice. 😀

My dad's primary goal is that AW.S3 with his old iPhone 6. A few years back, he was using other brand before. At last, he changed his mind to use Apple. Change is very difficult. I will tell him to change to 6s or SE, the same to me.

Thank you very much.👍

 

[Elitegate]

Thank you very much for your advice. 😀

My dad's primary goal is that AW.S3 with his old iPhone 6. A few years back, he was using other brand before. At last, he changed his mind to use Apple. Change is very difficult. I will tell him to change to 6s or SE, the same to me.

Thank you very much.👍

You are welcome.

 

[Lubidubi]

Just call Apple Care. Explain that you would like to hand over your AW3 (on watch os 6) to your dad, who has an iPhone 6. They will arrange a free repair. Your watch will be picked up and sent to Apple. Some days later they will ship back your watch on watch os 5. Even if the watch does not come with latest watchos 5, you can still update it the latest 5.3.3 with your iphone 6.
Just did the same with a AW4 some days ago.

 

[rumr46556]

Just call Apple Care. Explain that you would like to hand over your AW3 (on watch os 6) to your dad, who has an iPhone 6. They will arrange a free repair. Your watch will be picked up and sent to Apple. Some days later they will ship back your watch on watch os 5. Even if the watch does not come with latest watchos 5, you can still update it the latest 5.3.3 with your iphone 6.
Just did the same with a AW4 some days ago.

Thank you very much. 👍 😁

 

[CYB3RBYTE]

Thank you very much. 👍 😁

Provided there is no damage to the watch, there should be no charge for a "software" repair like this.

 

[rumr46556]

Provided there is no damage to the watch, there should be no charge for a "software" repair like this.

Noted.

 

[Bizdizzle]

I just called Apple support with the same problem and they said they are absolutely able to downgrade an Apple Watch to the earliest version that the watch supports. It’s a free service. They’ll send you a box for you to send to them, they’ll downgrade the software and return it within three days.

 

[ravin2021]

Hello Bizdizzle - Did your watch pair with iphone6 after the service?

I bought an apple series 3 few months back and it wouldnt pair with my iphone6. I spoke to apple support, they agreed to downgrade. However, they repair center sent back the watch as-is. I spoke again, sent it again, and today they are saying they couldnt downgrade. Hence checking with you to see if they indeed did the downgrade for you?

Struggling with this since Jan 19 - the watch has made 2 round trips to apple and comeback as-is