What Apple Watch Is Compatible with iPhone 15? (Complete Guide)

The iPhone 15 is here, packed with powerful features and a stunning new design. But if you’re an Apple Watch user (or planning to be), you may be wondering: What Apple Watch is compatible with iPhone 15?

Not all Apple Watch models, however, work seamlessly with the latest iPhones. In fact, due to frequent software updates, inevitable hardware limitations, and Apple’s ever-evolving ecosystem, some watches remain compatible, while others, unfortunately, get left behind.

In this guide, we’ll break down which Apple Watches work with iPhone 15, how to pair them, which models are outdated, and whether you should upgrade.

• Key Takeaways

• Apple Watch Models Compatible with iPhone 15

  • Apple Watches That Work with iPhone 15

  • Apple Watches That Do NOT Work with iPhone 15

  • How to Check Your Apple Watch Model

• Why Apple Watch Series 3 Won’t Work with iPhone 15

• How to Pair Your Apple Watch with iPhone 15

  • Step-by-Step Setup Guide

• Does Apple Watch Cellular Work with iPhone 15?

  • How to Set Up Cellular on Apple Watch

• Should You Upgrade Your Apple Watch for iPhone 15?

  • Best Apple Watch Upgrades for iPhone 15

• FAQs: Apple Watch & iPhone 15 Compatibility

  • Will Apple Watch Series 3 work with iPhone 15?

  • Can I use an Apple Watch without an iPhone?

  • Do I need to unpair my old iPhone before pairing with iPhone 15?

  • Which Apple Watch should I buy for iPhone 15?

• External Links

• YouTube Links

• Final Summary: What Apple Watch Works with iPhone 15?

Key Takeaways

• ✅ Apple Watch Series 4 and newer (Series 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Ultra, and SE) are compatible with iPhone 15.
• ❌ Series 3 and older will NOT work because they don’t support watchOS 10.
• 📱 Cellular models require a matching carrier plan for full functionality.
• ⚙️ Pairing is simple via the Watch app on iPhone 15.
• 🔄 If your Apple Watch is outdated, upgrading to a Series 9, SE 2, or Ultra 2 is recommended.

Apple Watch Models Compatible with iPhone 15

The iPhone 15, on the other hand, comes with iOS 17, which, in turn, determines what Apple Watches it can pair with. Consequently, only watches that support watchOS 10 or later will, in fact, work with iPhone 15.

✅ Apple Watches That Work with iPhone 15

If you own one of these Apple Watch models, you’re good to go!

• Apple Watch Series 4
• Apple Watch Series 5
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch Series 7
• Apple Watch Series 8
• Apple Watch Series 9
• Apple Watch SE (1st Gen & 2nd Gen)
• Apple Watch Ultra & Ultra 2

❌ Apple Watches That Do NOT Work with iPhone 15

These watches are too old to support watchOS 10, making them incompatible with iPhone 15:

• Apple Watch Series 3 (stuck on watchOS 8)
• Apple Watch Series 2 and earlier

🔍 How to Check Your Apple Watch Model

Not sure which Apple Watch you have? This guide will help you identify your model before upgrading.

Why Apple Watch Series 3 Won’t Work with iPhone 15

The Apple Watch Series 3, which was originally released in 2017, is now far too outdated for modern iOS updates. As a result, it no longer receives essential software support, meaning it lacks the latest features, security updates, and compatibility improvements. Consequently, if you’re using a Series 3, you will inevitably run into issues when trying to pair it with newer iPhones like the iPhone 15.

❌ Why It’s Not Compatible

• It only supports watchOS 8 (iPhone 15 requires watchOS 10+).
• No security updates from Apple.
• Slower performance and fewer features compared to newer models.

🛠 What Should You Do If You Own a Series 3?

It’s time to upgrade! Newer Apple Watches offer faster performance, better health tracking, and new features.

How to Pair Your Apple Watch with iPhone 15

After you’ve confirmed that your Apple Watch is compatible, the next step is to follow these simple instructions to set it up with your iPhone 15. First, make sure your watch is charged and ready. Then, carefully go through each step to ensure a smooth pairing process. Finally, once everything is set up, you can start enjoying all the features your Apple Watch has to offer!

📲 Step-by-Step Setup Guide

1. Turn On Your Apple Watch

   • Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

2. Open the Watch App on iPhone 15

   • Make sure Bluetooth and WiFi are turned on.

3. Tap "Start Pairing"

   • Use your iPhone’s camera to scan the pairing animation on the watch screen.

4. Restore from Backup or Set Up as New

   • Choose to restore an old Apple Watch backup or start fresh.

5. Sign in with Your Apple ID

   • This enables features like Find My Watch.

6. Wait for the Sync to Complete

   • This may take a few minutes.

7. Enjoy Your Apple Watch with iPhone 15! 🎉

Does Apple Watch Cellular Work with iPhone 15?

Yes! If you have an Apple Watch Cellular model, it works with iPhone 15. However, you’ll need a carrier plan to use it independently.

📡 How to Set Up Cellular on Apple Watch

1. Open the Watch app on iPhone 15.
2. Tap Cellular > Set Up Cellular.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate your plan.

Note: Your Apple Watch must be on the same carrier as your iPhone for cellular features to work.

Should You Upgrade Your Apple Watch for iPhone 15?

If you’re using Apple Watch Series 3 or older, an upgrade is required. But even if you have a Series 4–7, you may want to consider upgrading for better performance and features.

🔄 Best Apple Watch Upgrades for iPhone 15

🔗 Need help choosing? Read Which Apple Watch is the Best? for a detailed comparison.

FAQs: Apple Watch & iPhone 15 Compatibility

❓ Will Apple Watch Series 3 work with iPhone 15?

No. The Series 3 does not support watchOS 10, which is required for iPhone 15.

❓ Can I use an Apple Watch without an iPhone?

Yes, but only for basic functions like fitness tracking. Cellular models can make calls independently.

❓ Do I need to unpair my old iPhone before pairing with iPhone 15?

Yes! Unpair your Apple Watch from your old iPhone before connecting it to iPhone 15.

❓ Which Apple Watch should I buy for iPhone 15?

If you want the latest features, go for Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2. If you're on a budget, Apple Watch SE 2 is a great option.

External Links

These relevant external sources provide additional information about Apple Watch and iPhone 15 compatibility:

1. Apple’s Official Compatibility List – https://support.apple.com/en-us/118490

   • Apple’s official page for checking Apple Watch and iPhone compatibility.

2. Apple Watch Setup and Pairing Guide – https://support.apple.com/en-ph/guide/watch/apdde4d6f98e/watchos

   • Step-by-step guide from Apple on how to pair an Apple Watch with an iPhone.

3. Latest Apple Watch Models & Pricing – https://www.apple.com/watch/

   • Official Apple page showcasing the newest Apple Watch models and features.

YouTube Links

Here are three YouTube videos explaining Apple Watch compatibility, pairing, and upgrades:

1. How to Pair Apple Watch with iPhone 15 (Step-by-Step Guide)
   🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2AJa2iwEzo&t=2s

2. Apple Watch Series 9 & Ultra 2 - Which One Should You Buy?
   🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek2nUYzlLlo

3. Apple Watch Not Pairing? Fix Common Issues Easily!
   🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNpQuXMlru0

Final Summary: What Apple Watch Works with iPhone 15?

✔️ Apple Watch Series 4 and newer work perfectly with iPhone 15.
❌ Series 3 and older are NOT compatible due to outdated software.
🔄 If you need an upgrade, Series 9, SE 2, or Ultra 2 are the best choices.

Looking to customize your Apple Watch? Browse the best Apple Watch bands for a stylish and comfortable fit!

💡 Still unsure about your Apple Watch model? Check this complete guide before upgrading.

Now you know exactly which Apple Watch works with iPhone 15! 🚀 Time to upgrade and enjoy all the new features! 🎉

Blog Author section.

Emily Johnson

 

---

Emily is a seasoned writer and technology enthusiast with a passion for digital watches and wearable tech. With over a decade of experience in the tech industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to her readers.