Watch will not update software

[watchwearer]

I have a Apple Watch S4 & every time I try checking for a software update I keep getting the "error for checking update" message. Try again or cancel. It is currently using watch os 8.7. I can't try with my phone because it is an iPhone 7+ running ios 15.7 & can't be upgraded to ios 16. Any solutions please?

 

[bricktop_at]

The only working solution: Buy a newer iPhone…

 

[watchwearer]

The only working solution: Buy a newer iPhone…

Thank you for the reply, but I don't really want to do that. I am perfectly happy with the 7+ & not long had a new battery fitted.

 

[T5BRICK]

According to Apple you need a iPhone 8 or newer in order to install and use watch OS 9.

 

[bricktop_at]

Thank you for the reply, but I don't really want to do that. I am perfectly happy with the 7+ & not long had a new battery fitted.

I totally understand... but as long as the watch is paired to an iPhone with a lower iOS Version than 16.x, it won't update. And as soon as you update it by, for example pairing it temporarily to a newer phone, you won't be able to use it with a lower iOS version than 16.x

 

[azhava]

I have a Apple Watch S4 & every time I try checking for a software update I keep getting the "error for checking update" message. Try again or cancel. It is currently using watch os 8.7. I can't try with my phone because it is an iPhone 7+ running ios 15.7 & can't be upgraded to ios 16. Any solutions please?

It does that on purpose, and it's a good thing. If you were able to update your watch to Watch OS 9, it wouldn't work with your 7 Plus anymore. Watch OS 9 will only work with iOS 16, and only on iPhone 8 or newer.