You possibly can obtain the watchOS 26 developer beta proper now. With it, you may check out the nice new Liquid Glass design coming to the Apple Watch earlier than Apple ships the replace to everybody. And you’ll take a look at Exercise Buddy, the AI-powered coach that provides you encouragement throughout your exercises.
In fact, there are some things it is best to look out for. Beta software program is buggy and might result in knowledge loss or apps that don’t work. This specific beta is a tough one, with numerous damaged animations and options. Loads of apps you utilize most likely gained’t work accurately. I strongly suggest that you simply not less than anticipate the general public beta — it’ll be accessible beginning in July.
Should you’re nonetheless certain you need to attempt it out, you’ll want to put in iOS 26 in your iPhone first. I’ll present you the way.
The best way to obtain the watchOS 26 developer beta
Desk of contents: The best way to obtain the watchOS 26 developer beta
1. Set up the iOS 26 developer beta
Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Earlier than you obtain the watchOS beta, it’s worthwhile to set up the iOS beta on the identical iPhone that’s tied to your Apple Watch. You could find that article right here — keep in mind to double-check that you could have a current iCloud backup and that your Images library is synced first.
2. Change to permit beta software program updates
Screenshot: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
In your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app and faucet Basic > Software program Replace. After it checks for updates, you’ll see the choice seem for Beta Updates. Faucet that and also you’ll see the choices presently accessible: Off, watchOS 26 Developer Beta, watchOS 11 Public Beta and watchOS 11 Developer Beta.
- The watchOS 26 Public Beta is a safer method to benefit from the prerelease software program. Updates will exit on the identical tempo of each two to 3 weeks, however launched a few day later to verify there aren’t any essential bugs within the software program. The general public beta shall be accessible in July.
- The watchOS 26 Developer Beta is the quick monitor, meant for app builders to check performance and implement new options. These betas are launched slightly early, however have the next threat of bugs.
Faucet watchOS 26 Developer Beta to get the flashy new replace with all the newest health options.
3. Obtain the watchOS 26 beta replace
Swipe again and also you’ll see the watchOS 26 replace accessible. Faucet Obtain and Set up to, nicely, obtain and set up the replace. Going up a significant launch model could take longer than the standard software program replace.
On the finish, you’ll reboot into the shiny new watchOS 26 beta! You possibly can anticipate to get a brand new software program replace each few weeks till September.
If I can’t cease you from putting in watchOS 26 now, I not less than suggest switching over to the general public beta when that’s accessible in July.
We initially revealed this text on how one can obtain the watchOS beta on June 11, 2024. We up to date it with the newest info on June 10, 2025.
