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
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.
