WatchOS 7 beta: How to get access to the new Apple Watch software

Apple has released a public beta for the new Watch software for the first time 
Apple's official new watchOS software is expected to be released in the autumn
Apple
Amelia Heathman11 August 2020

Ahead of the official release of Apple’s new Watch software later this year, the company has now unveiled the public beta for watchOS 7 and you can install it now if you really want to.

The tech giant launched the iOS 14 public beta in July, an update which includes new widgets on the iPhone screen as well as an exciting new Translate app which works offline.

Though Apple regularly releases its iOS software as a public beta, this is the first time it has done so for the watchOS.

However, like all beta software, before you download it you need to be aware that the software isn’t perfect and will be extremely buggy. It can be possible to brick your device with beta software so keep that in mind before you start downloading watchOS 7. If you have a spare iPhone and Watch lying around then it's recommended you use this instead of the devices you rely on daily.

If you are ready to finally start trying out the new sleep tracking feature, the new Fitness app, and personalised watch faces, then here’s how to try out the beta watchOS 7.

What devices will run watchOS 7?

Sleep tracking is finally coming to the Apple Watch series in watchOS 7
Apple

Before you get to watchOS 7, you need to download the iOS 14 beta, with all the handy instructions here. This needs to be done on the iPhone which is paired with the Watch.

Then, you need to ensure you have the right Apple Watch model. This will only work on Series 3, 4 and 5 watches, unfortunately, there are no major software updates coming to the Watch Series 1 and 2 anymore.

How to download watchOS 7 beta

Now your iPhone is ready, you can get started.

  1. Visit Apple’s beta website on your iPhone and sign in with your Apple iD. 
     
  2. On Apple’s Guide to Public Bets page, click watchOS. There’s a drop-down menu at the top of the page and here you can select ‘Enroll Your Devices’. 
     
  3. Then download the beta profile for the Watch. Go to Settings, then General, Profile & Device Management on your iPhone. Once you find the new beta software, you can select Install. 
     
  4. For those with automatic updates turned on on their watch, then there will be a notification in the Watch app on iPhone. If not, you need to go into the Watch app, tap on my My Watch and then go to General, and find Software Update to install it.