Is it possible to use „non-matching“ iOS & watchOS versions?

[Canubis]

Is it possible to update just my iPhone (12 Pro Max) to iOS 17 but keep my connected Watch (Series 7) at watchOS 9?
Does such setup work and is officially supported?
I wonder mainly about things like the Watch app, can the iOS 17 version configure the older watchOS? Will trainings and health data still sync, continuity feature keep working?
Or would the Watch also need to be updated immediately/asap for everything to keep going smoothly?

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Is it possible to update just my iPhone (12 Pro Max) to iOS 17 but keep my connected Watch (Series 7) at watchOS 9?
Does such setup work and is officially supported?
I wonder mainly about things like the Watch app, can the iOS 17 version configure the older watchOS? Will trainings and health data still sync, continuity feature keep working?
Or would the Watch also need to be updated immediately/asap for everything to keep going smoothly?

Yes. My 15PM is on iOS 17.0.3 and my watch is on 9.6.3. The other way around isn't possible (phone on iOS16 and watch on Watch OS10)

 

[Canubis]

Fantastic, thank you very much @BugeyeSTI !