Many people wonder if a Samsung Galaxy Watch can work with an iPhone. The short answer is yes—it can pair and function with iOS, but not at the same level as with an Android phone. A Galaxy Watch will connect to an iPhone for basic features like fitness tracking, notifications, and heart rate monitoring, but advanced tools such as Samsung Pay and full app support are restricted.
This makes the experience different depending on which Galaxy Watch model is used. The Galaxy Watch 3, Galaxy Watch Active 2, and earlier models offer better iOS support than newer Wear OS models like the Galaxy Watch 4. Pairing through the Galaxy Wearable app allows access to core functions, but users will notice limits compared to how the Apple Watch integrates with iOS.
For someone choosing between a Galaxy Watch and an Apple Watch Series, the decision often comes down to which features matter most. Those who want full integration with iOS may lean toward Apple Watch, while those who value Samsung’s design and fitness tracking may still find Galaxy Watch models useful despite the trade-offs.
Can a Samsung Galaxy Watch Work With an iPhone?
If you’re an iPhone user but prefer the look and features of Samsung’s Galaxy Watch, you might wonder: Can it work with my iPhone?
The answer is yes, but with important limitations depending on the watch model and software.
✅ Compatibility Overview
- Older Galaxy Watches (Tizen OS)
- Works with iPhone using the Galaxy Watch app from the App Store.
- Compatible models: Galaxy Watch (2018), Watch Active, Watch Active2, Watch3.
- Requires iOS 9.0 or later.
- Newer Galaxy Watches (Wear OS, e.g., Watch4, Watch5, Watch6, Watch7)
- ❌ Not compatible with iPhone.
- Google and Samsung’s Wear OS watches only pair with Android devices.
👉 So, if you own a Galaxy Watch4 or later, you cannot pair it with an iPhone (source: FactCheckCentral).
📲 How to Connect a Compatible Galaxy Watch to iPhone
- Download the Galaxy Watch app
- Open App Store → Search “Galaxy Watch” → Install.
- Turn on your Galaxy Watch
- Make sure it’s reset or not paired with another device.
- Open the Galaxy Watch app on iPhone
- Tap Start the Journey → Select your watch model.
- Pair devices
- Confirm the passkey shown on both devices.
- Allow permissions
- Enable notifications, contacts, and health data if prompted.
⚠️ Limitations When Using Galaxy Watch with iPhone
While basic features work, some advanced functions are missing:
- 🚫 No reply to iMessages or SMS directly from the watch
- 🚫 No access to Samsung Pay
- 🚫 Limited third-party apps compared to Android
- 🚫 Some health features (like ECG, blood pressure) may not sync
✅ What does work:
- Notifications (read-only)
- Fitness tracking (steps, heart rate, workouts)
- Watch faces and basic apps
- Music control (for iPhone’s music apps)
🆚 Galaxy Watch vs. Apple Watch on iPhone
- If you want full integration with iOS (calls, messages, Apple Pay, deep health tracking), the Apple Watch is the better choice.
- If you only need basic fitness and notification mirroring, an older Galaxy Watch (Tizen OS) can still be a stylish and functional companion.
📝 Final Answer
- Yes, a Samsung Galaxy Watch can work with an iPhone — but only older Tizen-based models.
- No, newer Wear OS Galaxy Watches (Watch4 and later) do not support iPhone.
- Even when compatible, expect limited features compared to pairing with a Samsung or Android phone.
Key Takeaways
- A Samsung Galaxy Watch can pair with an iPhone but with limited features
- Older Galaxy Watch models work better with iOS than newer Wear OS models
- Apple Watch remains the most seamless option for iPhone users
Comparison Chart: Galaxy Watch vs. Apple Watch on iPhone
| Feature / Function | Galaxy Watch (on iPhone, Tizen OS models) | Galaxy Watch (on Android/Samsung) | Apple Watch (on iPhone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pairing Support | ✅ Yes (via Galaxy Watch app) | ✅ Yes (via Galaxy Wearable app) | ✅ Yes (native) |
| Notifications | ✅ Receive only (read-only) | ✅ Full (read, reply, quick responses) | ✅ Full (read, reply, Siri dictation) |
| Calls | ✅ Answer & make calls (Bluetooth only) | ✅ Full support (Bluetooth + LTE models) | ✅ Full support (Bluetooth + LTE models) |
| Messages (SMS/iMessage) | 🚫 View only, cannot reply | ✅ Full reply support | ✅ Full reply support |
| 🚫 Limited (view only) | ✅ Full support | ✅ Full support | |
| Fitness Tracking | ✅ Steps, heart rate, workouts | ✅ Full (steps, HR, ECG, BP, advanced metrics) | ✅ Full (steps, HR, ECG, blood oxygen, advanced metrics) |
| Samsung Pay / Apple Pay | 🚫 Not available | ✅ Samsung Pay works | ✅ Apple Pay works |
| App Store Access | 🚫 Very limited | ✅ Full Galaxy Store access | ✅ Full App Store access |
| Music Control | ✅ Control iPhone music apps | ✅ Control + offline Spotify/YouTube Music | ✅ Control + Apple Music sync |
| Watch Faces & Customization | ✅ Supported | ✅ Full support | ✅ Supported |
| Health Sync | ✅ Basic sync with Samsung Health (limited) | ✅ Full Samsung Health integration | ✅ Full Apple Health integration |
| Voice Assistant | 🚫 Not available | ✅ Bixby/Google Assistant | ✅ Siri |
| Software Updates | ✅ Via iPhone app (slower) | ✅ Direct + frequent | ✅ Direct + frequent |
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Galaxy Watch on iPhone (Tizen models only) → Works, but limited to basic notifications and fitness tracking.
- Galaxy Watch on Android/Samsung → Unlocks full features (Samsung Pay, replies, advanced health, apps).
- Apple Watch on iPhone → Best choice for iPhone users, with deep iOS integration and full feature set.
👉 In short:
- If you want style + basic tracking → Galaxy Watch (older Tizen models) can work with iPhone.
- If you want full smartwatch power on iPhone → Apple Watch is the clear winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Samsung Galaxy Watch can connect to an iPhone with the help of Samsung’s companion app, but not every feature works. Compatibility depends on the watch model and the iOS version, and some functions remain restricted compared to pairing with an Android phone.
How can I connect my Samsung Galaxy Watch to an iPhone?
Users must install the Samsung Galaxy Watch app from the Apple App Store. After that, they can pair the watch through Bluetooth by following the app’s instructions.
What are the compatibility requirements for pairing a Galaxy Watch with an iPhone?
Most Galaxy Watch models work with iPhones running iOS 9.0 or later, though newer models may require newer iOS versions. iPhone 6s and later models are generally supported.
Are there any features that won’t work on a Galaxy Watch when used with an iPhone?
Some functions are limited. Users cannot reply to text messages, use Samsung Pay, or install the full range of apps. Voice assistant support is also reduced, and offline music storage may not work.
What is the process for setting up a Galaxy Watch with an iPhone?
First, download the Galaxy Watch app. Next, enable Bluetooth on the iPhone and turn on the watch in pairing mode. Then, follow the prompts in the app, grant permissions, and adjust settings like notifications and watch faces.
Can I receive notifications on my Galaxy Watch when it’s connected to an iPhone?
Yes, the watch can show call, text, email, and app alerts. However, interaction with these notifications is limited, and users cannot send replies directly from the watch.
Will the latest Galaxy Watch models work with any version of iOS?
Not always. Newer Galaxy Watches that run Wear OS are not compatible with iPhones. Older Tizen-based models still work with iOS, but feature support varies by model and iOS version.