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Is the iPhone 16 compatibility with the Apple Watch Series 3? This is a question that many Apple users are asking right now, and it’s a fair one—and one worth investigating. As Apple releases new models with upgraded software and hardware, older devices tend to lose sync. We’re going to break it all down in this guide. We’ll talk about everything from the latest iPhone 16 model to the Apple Watch Series 3 compatibility rules, pairing methods, and what to expect in the future.
If you’re holding on to the simplicity of your Series 3 or are considering an upgrade, this article will help you decide whether it’s time to move on, or whether the two will still work together in 2025.
All the points in this post
What iPhone 16 Models Exist?
Apple is known for consistently releasing multiple models of the same generation of iPhones. Things are no different with the iPhone 16 series. Whether you’re a casual user or a techie, it’s important to know the differences between each model when checking device compatibility—especially with older devices like the Apple Watch Series 3.
The iPhone 16 family is expected to be released in 2025, with the 16 iPhones, the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro, the 16-inch iPhone Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 SE. Each model caters to different needs and budgets. The version of iOS your iPhone is running often dictates whether or not it can pair with an older Apple Watch like the Series 3.
Key Differences Between Models
| Model | Screen Size | Processor | Storage Options | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | 6.1″ | A18 Bionic | 128GB–512GB | Base model, best for casual users |
| iPhone 16 Plus | 6.7″ | A18 Bionic | 128GB–512GB | Larger screen, ideal for media lovers |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 6.1″ | A18 Pro | 256GB–1TB | ProMotion, advanced camera system |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 6.7″ | A18 Pro | 256GB–2TB | Biggest, most powerful, AI chip upgrades |
| iPhone 16 SE | 5.4″ (est.) | A17 (likely) | 64GB–256GB | Budget option, Home Button retained |
Every iPhone 16 model, regardless of price or power, supports watchOS integration—but that doesn’t automatically guarantee that it will work with all Apple Watches. It’s important to know if your Apple Watch supports its version of iOS before pairing it with your iPhone 16.
Apple Watch Series 3
Let’s rewind a bit and talk about the Apple Watch Series 3. The watch was revolutionary when it launched in September 2017. It’s 2025, and we’re dealing with an eight-year-old device.
The Apple Watch Series 3 uses watchOS 8 instead of the original watchOS 4 that came with it. Newer iPhones – like the iPhone 16 series – are designed to pair best with watches that can run at least watchOS 9 or later.
The Series 3 has a limited 8GB of storage, which doesn’t leave enough room for software updates, making it notoriously difficult to update or restore. Powered by the old S3 chip, it’s significantly slower than newer models. It doesn’t have an always-on display, has a lower resolution, and lacks many of the advanced health features found in more recent models. In this technological age, the Series 3 is archaic. It’s like trying to hook up a VHS player to a 4K smart TV – it might be technically possible, but it’ll be difficult and you won’t get the full experience.
iPhone 16 Price Details
| Model | Expected Price (USD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | $799 – $899 | A18 chip, 6.1″ OLED, Dual cameras |
| iPhone 16 Plus | $899 – $999 | A18 chip, 6.7″ OLED, Dual cameras |
| iPhone 16 Pro | $999 – $1,099 | A18 Pro chip, 6.3″ OLED, Triple cameras |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | $1,099 – $1,199 | A18 Pro chip, 6.9″ OLED, Periscope zoom |
Apple Watch Series 3 Price in 2024
| Condition | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| New (Old Stock) | $150 – $200 |
| Refurbished | $80 – $130 |
| Used (Good Condition) | $50 – $100 |
Upgrade to a Newer Apple Watch
| Model | Price (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch SE (2024) | $249 | Budget buyers |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | $399 | Best value |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | $799 | Extreme athletes |
Apple’s Compatibility Requirements
| Apple Watch Model | Minimum Compatible iOS Version | Max watchOS Supported |
|---|---|---|
| Series 3 | iOS 14 | watchOS 8 |
| Series 4 | iOS 15 | watchOS 10 |
| Series 5 & newer | iOS 15+ | watchOS 10+ |
Currently, watchOS 8 is not supported on the iPhone 16, which runs iOS 18. This basically means that you cannot pair an iPhone 16 with a Series 3 that only runs watchOS 8. The Series 3 is very old. Apple made it clear in its official statement when it released watchOS 9 and watchOS 10 that Series 3 would no longer be supported. The demand for contemporary software for the Series 3 was overwhelming. If you try to pair a Series 3 with an iPhone 16, you will encounter an error because the Watch app in iOS 18 requires the watch to be running at least watchOS 9, which the Series 3 cannot install.
Can Series 3 Pair with iPhone 16?
Let’s check further. ❌ Not directly compatible. The iPhone 16 series comes with iOS 18. Which doesn’t support watchOS 9 at least. There’s no way to force an upgrade beyond watchOS 8 on the Apple Watch Series 3. Pairing the Series 3 with an older iPhone running iOS 15–16, then switching to the iPhone 16 and restoring the watch via backup from an older device. Reddit and Apple Support Forums. “It paired… but then it disconnected and I couldn’t get it to work again.”
After multiple failed attempts, the Watch app couldn’t even recognize the device. The message simply displayed: “A newer version of watchOS is required to pair this watch.” Since watchOS 8 is the last stop for Series 3, and iOS 18 requires watchOS 9 or later, the door is pretty much closed.
Should You Keep Using Series 3?
So you’ve been loyal to your Series 3—it’s helped you through workouts, meetings, and a lot of everyday life. Should you be using it in 2025? The Apple Watch Series 3 is no longer available. The convenience of keeping it, no extra costs—it’s already paid for. The user interface that’s not complicated—some features actually make it less cluttered. The battery could be decent—if you’re not overusing it, some models still get a full day of battery life.
❌ Cons No security updates—one of the biggest issues. Without watchOS 9 or 10, your data is at risk. Outdated app support—many apps have already dropped support for watchOS 8. Flawed performance—lags, crashes, and inconsistent syncing are now the norm. Pairing issues—as we’ve already discussed, pairing it with any modern iPhone is a huge headache or outright impossible.
Alternatives & Upgrade Recommendations
Okay, so if you’ve decided to part ways with your Series 3, let’s look at some good ways to upgrade your wrist that won’t break the bank and will keep it future-proof. Best overall, the Apple Watch SE is priced around ~$249. The pros are affordable, fast processor, supports the latest watchOS, and excellent battery life. For anyone who doesn’t need pro-level health tracking but wants great performance.
The refurbished Series 4 or 5 is priced around ~$150–$200. The pros are still supported by modern features like ECG, always-on display (Series 5), and a larger screen. These models will eventually stop getting updates, but you’ll get another 2–3 years of use.
The best high-end option is the Ultra or Series 9, priced at $399–$799+. All sorts of benefits—blood oxygen, ECG, crash detection, ultra-bright display. Power users who want the best of the best with long-term software support.
Buy from Apple Refurbished Stores, official and certified. Trade in your Series 3—Apple sometimes gives you $25-$50 credit toward your next purchase, even if it’s old.
Future-Proofing: What’s Coming?
If you’re thinking about upgrading, it helps to know what Apple has in store. What’s coming in watchOS 11+. WatchOS 11 is expected to be released by Apple in September 2025. What we know so far is that, notably, improvements to sleep, heart rate variability, and blood sugar monitoring (rumored). Powered by AI, Apple is integrating more intelligence into the device to give you smarter, more personalized notifications. More third-party app compatibility, and an improved on-watch app store.
There’s no mention of any future-proofing plans for Apple’s Series 3. Eventually, your Series 3 will become inoperable. It won’t pair, won’t update, and may not even reset properly.
Final Verdict & Recommendations
If you’re planning to upgrade to the iPhone 16, you should budget for a new or newer Apple Watch. Whether it’s the affordable SE or the cutting-edge Series 9, anything is better than splurging on a late-stage Series 3. Your Series 3 has been a great success. When your new watch syncs in seconds, apps launch instantly, and your health data is more accurate than ever, you’ll be glad you did.
