Not all Apple Watches work with every iPhone – here’s a breakdown of which Watches are compatible with which iPhones

• Not all Apple Watches work with every iPhone, and you’ll likely need an iPhone 6s or newer to use any new Apple Watch.
• Apple currently only sells the Apple Watch Series 3, Series 6, and SE, all of which require an iPhone 6s or newer.
• If you have a new iPhone 11 or iPhone 12, you won’t need to worry about Apple Watch compatibility for a long time.
• New Apple Watches need new iPhones because only new iPhones can run the right software.
• Visit Business Insider’s Tech Reference library for more stories.

The Apple Watch does a lot more than just tell the time. When paired with an iPhone, the Watch can send texts, make calls, act as your credit card, play music from anywhere, and more.

Unfortunately, not much of this works without an iPhone. And even more unfortunately, not every Apple Watch works with every iPhone.

The Apple Watch was designed to be a companion to your iPhone. This means that if you don’t have the right phone, your Watch will be just that – a watch.

As of this writing, Apple only sells three types of Apple Watches: The Apple Watch Series 3, Series 6, and SE. That said, if you go to a third-party seller, you can easily find other models (like 2019’s Series 5).

Keep in mind, however, that these other models aren’t supported by Apple anymore. This means that they might not be able to run all apps, or install all watchOS updates.

Here's a rundown of every Apple Watch ever released, and what kind of iPhone (and version of iOS) you'll need to unlock all their features.

Which iPhones are compatible with the 1st Generation Apple Watch 

The first Apple Watch came out in early 2015, in gold and rose gold with a black or white cap. You can snatch some versions for less than $100, but it comes without GPS.

The 1st Generation Apple Watch will work with an iPhone 5 or newer, running iOS 8.2 or newer.

Which iPhones are compatible with the Apple Watch Series 1

Series 1 released in 2016 with less aesthetic options, and no built-in GPS.

The Apple Watch Series 1 will work with an iPhone 5 or newer, with at least iOS 11 installed.

Which iPhones are compatible with the Apple Watch Series 2

Series 2, also released in 2016, came with a built-in GPS and water resistance up to 50 meters, the current standard for Apple Watches.

The Apple Watch Series 2 will work with an iPhone 5 or newer, with at least iOS 11 installed.

Which iPhones are compatible with the Apple Watch Series 3

The Series 3 is still being sold today. At $199, it's the cheapest available but has the fewest features. 

When it was originally released, you could buy an Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular capabilities - this lets you send messages or make calls even when away from your iPhone. Apple doesn't sell the cellular version of the Watch anymore, but you can buy it from third-party sellers.

The Apple Watch Series 3 requires an iPhone 6s or newer, running at least iOS 14. Some older, used models may be compatible with iPhone 6 and older iOS versions, but that's not a sure thing.

Which iPhones are compatible with the Apple Watch Series 4

Series 4, released in 2018, also came in a cellular and non-cellular version.

The Apple Watch Series 4 requires an iPhone 6 or newer with iOS 12 or newer.

Which iPhones are compatible with the Apple Watch Series 5

The Series 5 introduced a built-in compass, emergency calling, and the bright, "always-on" retina display later used for the Series 6. 

This Apple Watch needs an iPhone 6s or newer with iOS 13 or newer.

Which iPhones are compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6

At $399, the Series 6 is the priciest current model. This model is perfect for health nuts, as it monitors your blood oxygen level and includes an electrocardiogram app.

This Apple Watch requires an iPhone 6s or newer, running iOS 14 or newer.

Which iPhones are compatible with the Apple Watch SE

The Apple Watch SE has many of the same features as the Series 6, but with a lighter price tag ($279).

This Apple Watch requires an iPhone 6s or newer, running iOS 14 or newer.

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• 'Why does my Apple Watch die so fast?': How to improve the battery life on your Apple Watch in 7 ways

• How to make your Apple Watch vibrate more prominently through the device's settings, or using the Watch app on your iPhone

• How to add app complications to your Apple Watch, and customize them for optimal use

• How to make a FaceTime audio call on your Apple Watch

• How to delete your Siri history on any Apple device, so that Apple won't save and analyze your voice files

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