we purchased an Apple Watch 8 to pair with iPhone 8 Plus, as it was said to be compatible with. When I go to pair, it now says I need iPhone XS and iOS 17. I’m wondering if this is going to be the case for any watch, regardless of series? If so, that is ridiculous.
so if you can find an older model that been on the shelf for so long that it's running watchOS 9 or find a second hand watch that runs watchos9 then you can use it
if you wish to inform apple that you find those requirements ridiculous
then you can use their feedback channels to inform them of such
It was compatible with it when it was first released. Unfortunately, it has been updated to a version of watchOS that requires iOS 17 or later.
You will not be able to purchase a new watch at retail any more that will work with an iPhone 8.
The iPhone 8 was discontinued 5 years ago.
This users managed to get the watchOS downgraded by Apple:
Why won't my Apple Watch SE pair with my … - Apple Community
Will any Apple Watch pair with iPhone 8+?
