Latest Watch OS not compatible with iOS 17.3.1

[Mark Booth]

My wife and I ordered matching Apple Watches, Series 9, Stainless Steel. They were delivered yesterday. Upon attempting to set up my Watch with my iPhone 13 Pro running iOS 17.3.1, I got this alert:

I called Apple support and they confirmed that the very latest Watch OS is not compatible with iOS 17.3.1. They said I'd have to update my iPhone to iOS 17.5.1.

So frustrating! I have a third party app on my iPhone that hasn't been updated in awhile (nor is the app likely to be updated). The app still mostly works with iOS 17.5.1 but one key feature is broken under 17.5.1. I use that feature regularly and I use the app daily. So, I prefer to keep my iPhone at iOS 17.3.1.

I guess I'll be returning $1,500 worth of Apple Watches.

Mark

 

[Shirasaki]

Sad to see it happening like that.
Technically, if you try to roll the stock lottery, you might snatch a watch with older watchOS version that might be able to get past initial Setup without worrying about updating iOS. But idk if you can even update watchOS from that point on.
That app breaks past iOS 17.3.1? Wow.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Any watch running watch OS10 needs to have an iPhone running at least 17.4. That's one of the main reasons my 15PM is on 17.3.1, so my watch can stay on OS9. Not going to make the jump until iOS18 is out.. I'm sure OS10 is fine but I don't like losing the app switcher so I'm being stubborn

 

[jz0309]

My wife and I ordered matching Apple Watches, Series 9, Stainless Steel. They were delivered yesterday. Upon attempting to set up my Watch with my iPhone 13 Pro running iOS 17.3.1, I got this alert:

I called Apple support and they confirmed that the very latest Watch OS is not compatible with iOS 17.3.1. They said I'd have to update my iPhone to iOS 17.5.1.

So frustrating! I have a third party app on my iPhone that hasn't been updated in awhile (nor is the app likely to be updated). The app still mostly works with iOS 17.5.1 but one key feature is broken under 17.5.1. I use that feature regularly and I use the app daily. So, I prefer to keep my iPhone at iOS 17.3.1.

I guess I'll be returning $1,500 worth of Apple Watches.

Mark

Yes, I think some of that was discussed here, and can’t recall but I think it was a security update in 17.4

Heads up if you are still on WatchOS 9

I just went from iOS 17.3.1 to 17.4 B3 & now cannot make any changes in the Watch app unless I update to WatchOS 10. This might be a bug in the iOS 17.4 beta, but considering Apple’s push to get everyone on the newest operating system, probably not. I will update this thread when I install the...

forums.macrumors.com

Why don’t you contact the app developer and ask them to update that app? Or leave a review in the App Store to that effect?
It’s of course up to you, but staying behind on an OS for an app that isn’t updated/supported in my book is a security issue, ymmv

 

[xraydoc]

My wife and I ordered matching Apple Watches, Series 9, Stainless Steel. They were delivered yesterday. Upon attempting to set up my Watch with my iPhone 13 Pro running iOS 17.3.1, I got this alert:

I called Apple support and they confirmed that the very latest Watch OS is not compatible with iOS 17.3.1. They said I'd have to update my iPhone to iOS 17.5.1.

So frustrating! I have a third party app on my iPhone that hasn't been updated in awhile (nor is the app likely to be updated). The app still mostly works with iOS 17.5.1 but one key feature is broken under 17.5.1. I use that feature regularly and I use the app daily. So, I prefer to keep my iPhone at iOS 17.3.1.

I guess I'll be returning $1,500 worth of Apple Watches.

Mark

What app, out of curiosity?

 

[Mark Booth]

Yes, I think some of that was discussed here, and can’t recall but I think it was a security update in 17.4

Heads up if you are still on WatchOS 9

I just went from iOS 17.3.1 to 17.4 B3 & now cannot make any changes in the Watch app unless I update to WatchOS 10. This might be a bug in the iOS 17.4 beta, but considering Apple’s push to get everyone on the newest operating system, probably not. I will update this thread when I install the...

forums.macrumors.com

Why don’t you contact the app developer and ask them to update that app? Or leave a review in the App Store to that effect?
It’s of course up to you, but staying behind on an OS for an app that isn’t updated/supported in my book is a security issue, ymmv

The person who owns the 3rd party app paid someone else to write the app for him. That coder is no longer available and the app owner can't find a coder willing to take on the job for the money he can offer.

Matk

 

[Shirasaki]

Any watch running watch OS10 needs to have an iPhone running at least 17.4. That's one of the main reasons my 15PM is on 17.3.1, so my watch can stay on OS9. Not going to make the jump until iOS18 is out.. I'm sure OS10 is fine but I don't like losing the app switcher so I'm being stubborn

Oh so app switcher is permanently gone, not me imagining. Dunno why but Apple being Apple I guess.

 

[Reverend Benny]

@Mark Booth Just curious, what's the name of the app? And would there be any chance of a similar app around in app-store?

Just thinkin its nice to be able to install the latest security patches.

 

[Shirasaki]

@Mark Booth Just curious, what's the name of the app? And would there be any chance of a similar app around in app-store?

Just thinkin its nice to be able to install the latest security patches.

And here lies the problem of custom-built applications: mission critical, irreplaceable, thus making said hardware installing latest operating system impossible Should maintenance of such application cease. Given apple’s relentless efforts in pushing people away from the non-latest version regardless of customer’s demand/request/need, I feel sorry for those people having to rely on mobile apps dependent on iOS version and can’t get past a certain point.

I guess that’s why Apple never had much of success in the business market and server market, where linux and windows dominates that area Together.

 

[Mark Booth]

I returned one of the Series 9 Apple Watches to an Apple Store and got an Ultra 2 instead. I was hoping the Ultra 2 might have a slightly older version of Watch OS (since it was from store stock, not directly from Apple). No such luck, it won't pair with the Watch app either (under iOS 17.3.1).

The 3rd party developer has posted a workaround for those who want to move past iOS 17.3.1. It requires using Switch Control, but others are reporting success. So, late yesterday, I decided I would go ahead and update my 13 Pro to iOS 17.5.1.... Only to discover Apple had released iOS 17.6.



Mak

 

[Mark Booth]

And here lies the problem of custom-built applications: mission critical, irreplaceable, thus making said hardware installing latest operating system impossible Should maintenance of such application cease. Given apple’s relentless efforts in pushing people away from the non-latest version regardless of customer’s demand/request/need, I feel sorry for those people having to rely on mobile apps dependent on iOS version and can’t get past a certain point.

I guess that’s why Apple never had much of success in the business market and server market, where linux and windows dominates that area Together.

The 3rd party app in question cost me $100. Not a huge loss if I lost the ability to use it, but not my first choice. But your point is well made. I have three other apps on my iPhone that cost way more than $100. Fortunately, the developers of those apps are very much active and supplying updates regularly.

Mark