Apple has now released public betas for iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, tvOS 15, and macOS Monterey. We've covered how to get iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 betas here. Follow below if you also want to test the latest Apple Watch software.
WatchOS 8 should get a full and stable release this fall. It brings a handful of new features, including more types of workouts in the Fitness app, a new Mindfulness app, a watch face that works with Portrait mode photos taken on an iPhone, plus weather apps and improved smart homes, among others. It is compatible with Apple Watch Series 3, Series 4, Series 5, Series 6 and SE models.
Before I tell you how to install the beta, you should know some important things:
- Beta software is often buggy and you might have issues with third-party apps. Some bugs can include poor performance and poor battery life, an area where the Apple Watch isn't great even with stable software. Best to try it on a secondary watch if you have one (which, admittedly, most people don't).
- Unlike the beta versions of iOS and iPadOS, there is no way to roll back to the stable version of watchOS 7 if you install the beta version of watchOS 8. If it is buggy and not working well for you, you're stuck with it until Apple releases the stable version in the fall. That's probably reason enough to steer clear of this one, especially if you rely on your Apple Watch.
If that doesn't scare you, here's how to install the beta of watchOS 8 on an Apple Watch:
- Before you can install watchOS 8 beta, iOS 15 beta must be installed on your iPhone. Go follow these instructions and come back here when you're done.
- Go to Apple's Beta Software page in Safari on your iPhone.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- Scroll down and tap the "Get Started" link.
- Tap the watchOS 8 tab at the top of the page.
- Select "Enroll your Apple Watch" in the Start section of the watchOS 8 tab.
- Scroll down and tap the "Download Profile" button, then select "allow" in the pop-up window.
- Install the beta profile in the Watch app on your iPhone, which should open automatically once the profile is downloaded.
- You will be prompted to restart your Apple Watch. Press the button to allow it.
- Once the Apple Watch restarts, go to the Watch app, tap "General", tap "Software Update".
- You should see the beta version of watchOS 8 ready to install on your watch. Tap "Install" to continue.
- The software update will be downloaded to your phone and then transferred to the watch. To complete the setup, the watch must be on its charger, within range of your iPhone, connected to Wi-Fi, and with a charge of 50% or more. If all these criteria are not met, the installation will be interrupted until the watch is ready.
Once the beta software is installed, the watch will restart and you are ready to use it. In our experience, some complications and third-party apps did not work until manually opened on the watch or the watch was restarted a second time.
