Eager Apple fans worldwide are looking forward to trying out the newest version of the Apple Watch operating system, watchOS 10, currently available as a developer beta. The watchOS 10 beta promises exciting new features like new watch faces, an enhanced Workout app, sleep tracking improvements, and more.
While the public beta for watchOS 10 is not available yet, developers can already download the watchOS 10 developer beta to test it out on compatible Apple Watch models. Want to try out the latest watchOS 10 features for yourself before the official release? Here is a comprehensive guide on how to download the watchOS 10 beta on your Apple Watch.
Overview of watchOS 10 Beta
Announced at WWDC 2022, the watchOS 10 beta offers Apple Watch users a sneak peek at the new features and improvements coming in the next major software update. watchOS 10 comes with updates like:
New watch faces - Portraits face, Astronomy face showing star positions, Lunar face showing moon phases
Enhanced Workout app with more running metrics, multisport workouts, triathlon support
Sleep stages tracking for better sleep analysis
Medications app to manage, track and remind you about medicines
Accessibility improvements like Apple Watch mirroring on iPhone for control
Downloading the watchOS 10 developer beta allows you to test out these new additions on your Apple Watch before the full public release in fall 2022. However, remember that the beta may contain bugs and be less stable than the final version.
Benefits of Downloading the watchOS 10 Beta
Here are some of the advantages of installing the watchOS 10 developer beta:
Early access to new watchOS 10 features before the public release
Test out and provide feedback on new Apple Watch capabilities
Experience the latest watch faces and app improvements
Familiarize yourself with watchOS 10 before the official version rolls out
Troubleshoot bugs early and help Apple improve watchOS stability
While exciting, do note that the watchOS 10 beta is still in development and may have issues. Downloading it requires some technical steps too. So the beta is mostly recommended for developers and more advanced Apple Watch users willing to take a risk running unfinished software.
Steps for How to Download the watchOS 10 Beta
Ready to try out the next major watchOS update? Here is a step-by-step walkthrough for how to download the watchOS 10 developer beta on your compatible Apple Watch:
Sign Up for Apple's Betas
To access the watchOS 10 beta, you first need to enroll your Apple ID and devices in the Apple Beta Software Program. Here's how:
1. On your iPhone, visit the [Apple Beta Software Program](https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/) website.
2. Click on the 'Sign In' option and log in with your Apple ID or create a new Apple ID if needed.
3. Read and agree to the program's terms and conditions for beta access.
4. From the 'Get Started' section, enroll your Apple Watch by providing its serial number to link it.
Once signed up, your Apple ID will be granted access to current and upcoming Apple beta releases like watchOS 10. Both you and your devices can now get beta updates over-the-air.
Install the iOS 17 Beta on Your iPhone
Since the Apple Watch depends on an iPhone, you'll need a device running the iOS 17 beta to pair with your watchOS 10 beta. So first install the test version of iOS 17 via:
1. Back up your iPhone to iCloud or iTunes to save your data.
2. On your iPhone, go to [beta.apple.com](https://beta.apple.com/) and enroll it in the Apple Beta Software Program.
3. Download and install the iOS 17 beta profile under the 'Get Started' section.
4. Once the profile is added, check for iOS 17 beta updates within Settings > General > Software Update and tap Download and Install.
Allow some time for the major iOS 17 beta release to finish downloading and installing. Your iPhone will reboot to apply the pre-release software.
Get Your Apple Watch Ready
Before downloading the beta, your Apple Watch needs to be prepared with:
1. At least 50% battery charge, ideally with the watch on its charger.
2. Connected to a WiFi network that your iPhone is also on.
3. Watch placed on its magnetic charger and kept close to the iPhone.
4. The paired iPhone must be nearby and connected to the internet via WiFi/mobile data.
These conditions help ensure the large watchOS 10 beta update can download and install without any interruptions.
Download the watchOS 10 Beta
Once your iPhone has iOS 17 installed and your Apple Watch is ready, you can finally download the watchOS 10 beta using these steps:
1. On your iPhone, open the Watch app which is used to control the Apple Watch system and features.
2. Go to the My Watch tab in the Watch app.
3. Tap on General and select Software Update.
4. You should now see the watchOS 10 developer beta available for download. Tap Download and Install.
5. Agree to the consent message about installing the beta software.
6. Keep the Apple Watch and iPhone close until the beta installation completes. This can take 30-40 minutes based on your internet speed.
7. You may need to enter the watch passcode and restart the Apple Watch when prompted.
After finishing installation, the watchOS 10 beta will replace the previous version on your Apple Watch. Your watch will restart and you can start exploring all the new features!
Tools and Requirements
Before you jump in and update to watchOS 10 beta, ensure that your devices meet the requirements:
Compatible Apple Devices
iPhone model: iPhone 13 or later running iOS 17 beta
Apple Watch models: Apple Watch Series 4 and later
Older iPhone and Apple Watch models are not supported. Both your iPhone and Apple Watch must have the newest betas installed.
Apple Developer Program Membership (Optional)
Access to the watchOS 10 beta is free if you have an active paid Apple Developer Program membership which costs $99 per year. If not a member, you'll need to wait for the watchOS 10 public beta in the future.
Stable Internet Connection
A steady WiFi or cellular data connection will be needed to successfully download the large watchOS 10 beta update file without any timeouts.
Sufficient Battery Life on Apple Watch
Your Apple Watch should have at least 50-75% battery remaining before you install the beta, and remain charging throughout the process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download watchOS 10 Beta
Here is a more detailed walkthrough for how to get the watchOS 10 developer beta on your compatible iPhone and Apple Watch models:
Step 1: Sign Up for Apple's Betas
1. On your iPhone, use Safari or a web browser to visit [beta.apple.com](https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/). This is the Apple Beta Software Program website where you can enroll in beta access.
2. Tap on Sign In and enter your Apple ID credentials when prompted. This Apple ID will be linked to your beta program membership.
3. If you don't have an Apple ID already, you can create a new one for free. Make sure to verify your email address after signing up.
4. Read through the Apple Beta Software Program Agreement and consent to the terms and conditions to proceed.
5. On the welcome page under Get Started, tap on Enroll Your Apple Watch.
6. Enter your Apple Watch SERIAL NUMBER to enroll it for the beta. Find this SN under Settings > General > About on your Apple Watch.
7. Ensure your iPhone is also enrolled by providing its IMEI number.
After finishing enrollment, both your iPhone and Apple Watch will be registered to receive new iOS and watchOS beta updates going forward.
Step 2: Install the iOS 17 Beta on Your iPhone
1. On your iPhone, back up your data either locally through iTunes or via iCloud. This preserves your information in case anything goes wrong with the beta.
2. Navigate back to [beta.apple.com](https://beta.apple.com/) on your iPhone and tap on Sign In. Log in with your Apple ID enrolled in the beta program.
3. Scroll down and tap on Get Started under the iOS 17 beta section. Tap on Download Profile to download the iOS 17 beta profile.
4. Open Settings and tap on Profile Downloaded. Tap Install in the top-right corner to install the profile and allow beta updates.
5. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and you should now see the iOS 17 developer beta available. Tap Download and Install.
6. Connect your iPhone to power and WiFi to download the large iOS update file. Do not interrupt the process until completion.
7. Once downloaded, tap Install on the prompt to install iOS 17 beta. Your iPhone will reboot and install the pre-release software.
Step 3: Get Your Apple Watch Ready
Before installing the watchOS beta, we need to get the Apple Watch ready:
1. Check your Apple Watch has at least 50-75% battery charge remaining. It should comfortably last through the update process.
2. On your iPhone, go to **Settings > WiFi** and connect your iPhone to the same WiFi network that your Apple Watch is already on. They need to be on the same network.
3. Place your Apple Watch on its magnetic charger and make sure the charger is plugged in. The watch should remain charging during the update.
4. Keep your iPhone nearby the Apple Watch, within Bluetooth range. The two devices will communicate during the watchOS update.
Step 4: Download the watchOS 10 Beta
1. On your iPhone, launch the Watch app from the home screen. This app is used to manage your Apple Watch.
2. Tap on the My Watch tab at the bottom.
3. Tap General to open your watch's settings.
4. Scroll down and select Software Update.
5. You should now see the watchOS 10 developer beta available. Tap Download and Install.
6. Read the consent message and tap OK to confirm you want to download the beta.
7. Keep both devices stationary and near each other while the update downloads and installs. Do not use either device during this time.
8. Once completed, you may need to enter your Apple Watch passcode and accept any disclaimers about using beta software. Your Apple Watch will restart to apply the watchOS 10 beta update.
9. After rebooting, your Apple Watch will be running the latest watchOS 10 developer beta! Feel free to explore the new features.
And that's it! By carefully following the steps, you can successfully download and install the watchOS 10 beta on your compatible Apple Watch paired with an iPhone on iOS 17 beta. Be sure to back up your data, keep devices charged, and use a stable WiFi connection throughout the process.
Now enjoy early access to the exciting improvements coming in watchOS 10 this fall! But remember this is unfinished beta software so you may encounter bugs and performance issues.
Conclusion
To recap, here are the key steps to download the developer beta of watchOS 10:
Enroll your Apple ID and devices in the Apple Beta Software Program.
Update your iPhone to the iOS 17 beta.
Charge your compatible Apple Watch and connect it to WiFi.
Use the Watch app to download and install the watchOS 10 beta over-the-air.
Keep devices steady and nearby throughout the process.
The watchOS 10 beta will replace the previous version on restart.
Have fun exploring new Apple Watch features in the beta!
By registering for access and carefully installing the required beta profiles, Apple fans can try out watchOS 10 features like new faces, sleep tracking enhancements, updated apps, and various optimizations well before the public release.
Just be aware that as beta software, the watchOS 10 developer beta may contain bugs affecting stability and app experience. Make sure to back up your data and report issues to Apple. The public watchOS 10 beta for more users is expected to arrive in July 2023.
So get ready to enjoy an early look at the future of Apple Watch! Downloading watchOS 10 beta lets developers and eager users preview the cutting-edge OS update before anyone else.
frequently Asked Questions
How do I download beta watchOS 10?
To download beta watchOS 10, you need to enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program, install the iOS 17 beta on your paired iPhone, get your compatible Apple Watch charged to 50%+ and on WiFi, then use the Watch app to download the watchOS 10 beta profile and install it. Keep both devices nearby until the process completes.
How do I download beta on Apple Watch?
First enroll your Apple ID and devices in the Apple Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com. Install the iOS 17 beta on your paired iPhone via Software Update. Then use the Watch app on your iPhone to check for the watchOS 10 beta under My Watch > General > Software Update. Download and install it while your Apple Watch is charged, on WiFi, and near the iPhone.
How do I download the watchOS developer beta?
To download the watchOS developer beta, you need an active paid Apple Developer Program membership. Sign in to developer.apple.com, visit the watchOS download page, and install the certificate on your paired iPhone. Then follow the steps to install the iOS 17 developer beta on your iPhone and download the watchOS 10 developer beta from the Watch app.
How do I download the latest version of Apple Watch?
On your paired iPhone, open the Watch app and go to My Watch > General > Software Update to check for the latest watchOS version. Tap Download and Install to update to the newest watchOS release over-the-air. Keep your Apple Watch on WiFi, charged to 50%+, and near your iPhone during the process.
How do I manually install Apple Watch update?
If your Apple Watch fails to automatically update, on your iPhone open the Watch app > My Watch > General > Software Update. Tap on the watchOS update available. Then tap Download Only. Once finished, go to My Watch > General > Software Update again and tap Install to manually install the downloaded update.
What is the latest OS in Apple Watch?
As of July 2023, the latest Apple Watch operating system is watchOS 9, which was released at WWDC 2022 and includes new watch faces, enhanced fitness tracking features, sleep stage monitoring, and other improvements. The next major version, watchOS 10, is currently available as a developer beta.
What devices are supported by watchOS 10?
watchOS 10 requires an iPhone 13 or newer running iOS 17 or later. It is compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models including Series 4, Series 5, Series 6, Series 7, and Series 8. Older Apple Watch models are not supported.
What is the latest iOS version?
The latest iOS version as of July 2023 is iOS 16, which was introduced at WWDC 2022. iOS 17 is the upcoming release currently available as a developer beta. To access the watchOS 10 beta, you need to install the iOS 17 beta on your compatible iPhone.
What is Apple Watch OS called?
Apple Watch runs the watchOS operating system, which is designed specifically for Apple's wearable device range. The latest major version is watchOS 9 while watchOS 10 is the upcoming revision currently in beta testing.
What is the highest watchOS?
Currently the highest watchOS version is watchOS 9, which comes pre-installed on new Apple Watch models including Series 8. The next major watchOS release is version 10, which is now available as a developer beta and will be launching in fall 2022.
What does iOS stand for?
iOS is the operating system that runs on iPhones and iPads. The acronym originally stood for iPhone OS when it first launched in 2007 along with the first iPhone. But it was renamed iOS in 2010 when Apple introduced the iPad.
What is the oldest Apple Watch called?
The original first-generation Apple Watch launched in 2015 is retroactively called Apple Watch Series 0 or Apple Watch 1st generation. It is the oldest Apple Watch model and is no longer supported by the latest watchOS versions like watchOS 10.
