Apple Watch Ultra Compatibility: Which iPhones Can It Be Paired With? [2024 Guide]

Michael Grothaus

01/18/24 •  6 min read

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A guide to help users determine whether their existing iPhone or iPad is compatible with the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2, and how to pair the devices together.

Thinking of getting an Apple Watch Ultra? Read our review of the Apple Watch Ultra here if you are still on the fence, then if you decide to make the plunge (you won’t be sorry!) come back here to learn about its compatibility with iPhones.

Back so soon? Great! Let’s get started in exploring Apple Watch Ultra compatibility and setup. This guide covers both the Apple Watch Ultra 1, released in 2022, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, released in 2023.

Apple Watch Ultra 1: Which iPhones Is Compatible With It?

OK, the first thing to know before you buy an Apple Watch Ultra is that you cannot set it up on its own. The Apple Watch Ultra MUST be paired with an iPhone during setup. This iPhone also needs to be logged into the iCloud account you want to use with the Apple Watch Ultra. This is true for the Apple Watch Ultra 1 (20223) and Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023).

And no, Apple does not allow you to pair and set up an Apple Watch Ultra with an iPad, Mac, or Android phone. You must have an iPhone to set up and pair the Apple Watch Ultra.

And you can’t just use any iPhone to pair and set up the Apple Watch Ultra. The Apple Watch Ultra 1 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 have different iPhone compatibiity.

If you have an Apple Watch Ultra 1 it must be paired with an iPhone 8 or later. Why? Because the Apple Watch Ultra runs watchOS 9 or later and watchOS 9 can only be paired with an iPhone running iOS 16 or later. iPhones earlier than the iPhone 8 cannot run iOS 16, and thus are not compatible with the Apple Watch Ultra.

To be more specific, the iPhones that are compatible with Apple Watch Ultra are the following:

Again, the iPad, Mac, and Android phones are NOT compatible with the Apple Watch Ultra.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Which iPhones Is Compatible With It?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has different compatibiity requirments than the Apple Watch Ultra 1. As a matter of fact, it’s originally compatible with fiewer phones than the Apple Watch Ultra 1. This is because the Apple Watch Ultra 2 ships with watchoOS 9 and watchOS 9 is only compatible with iOS 17 or later and iOS 17 or later drops support for the iPhone X and earlier.

This means in order to set up the Apple Watch Ultra 2 you’ll need an iPhone XS or later.

How To Set Up Apple Watch Ultra With Your iPhone: Requirements

Once you are sure you have a compatible iPhone and have purchased your Apple Watch Ultra, you are ready to set up the Apple Watch Ultra by pairing it with your iPhone. Before you move on to the pairing and setup process (below), make sure you have the following:

OK – now it’s time to move onto the steps…

How To Set Up Apple Watch Ultra With Your iPhone: Steps

Follow these steps to set up your Apple Watch Ultra by pairing it with your iPhone:

Set up may take a few minutes – and then your Apple Watch Ultra will be completely paired and ready to use! Enjoy!

Michael Grothaus

Michael Grothaus is an American author and journalist with a flair for exploring the intersection of technology, creativity, and digital culture. With a background in film, journalism, and creative writing, he brings a unique perspective to the world of mobile technology. His work has been featured in renowned publications like Fast Company, The Guardian, and Engadget. At KnowYourMobile, Michael leverages his extensive knowledge to guide readers through the complexities of mobile devices, helping them make informed choices in the fast-paced tech landscape.

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