The latest Apple Watches pack plenty of advanced technology and features. And through every major, annual software update, Apple introduces fresh additions that further enrich and supercharge watchOS. So by installing the latest version available, you give your Apple Watch a new lifeline through the exciting offerings included. However, these anticipated updates can take several weeks, and sometimes months, to reach the general public in their stable form. Fortunately for the impatient, you can skip the wait and get your hands on watchOS 10 beta builds by following the steps below.
How to install watchOS 10 beta
First, ensure that your Apple Watch is paired to an iPhone running the latest iOS beta in order to install watchOS beta. There isn't an alternative if you don't want to take risks with your iPhone. Follow our instructions to install the latest iOS beta on the iPhone that's paired with the Apple Watch you're about to upgrade. Then do the following:
- Launch the Watch app on your updated iPhone.
- Head to the General section.
- Tap on Software Update.
- Go to the Beta Updates section.
- Pick watchOS 10 Developer Beta or watchOS 10 Public Beta.
- Return to the Software Update page, and the latest watchOS 10 beta build should appear.
- Tap on Download and Install.
- Place your Apple Watch on its charger, and wait for it to finish the installation process.
Your Apple Watch is now running the latest watchOS beta version available. Do note that Apple seeds new operating system betas to developers before the public. So if you're interested in getting your hands on the watchOS beta as soon as possible, you will have to sign up for the Apple Developer Program, which costs $99/year. Otherwise, you can go for public betas, which are made available for free a while after developer builds go live.
It's worth noting that watchOS betas can be unstable or even unusable. So if you actively rely on your Apple Watch and expect it to work reliably at all times, you may want to refrain from hopping on the beta train. Furthermore, downgrading from the watchOS beta to the stable version isn't a convenient process.