Thanks “fireyjack”.
What’s on my mind? This is unacceptable.
Apple sells you an Apple Watch that they are still supporting and with a significant OS upgrade (6.1), but you are forced to buy a new $1K+ Phone that you don’t need just to apply the upgrade.
AND, once upgraded you no longer need the new phone because the new Watch software no longer requires the phone for upgrades but henceforth can install future Watch upgrades independently.
This fact is a “hidden feature” that’s nowhere to be found (at least I couldn’t find it until “fireyjack” responded to my plea here). This is a very bad look, Apple.