Apple Watch Series 5Source: iMore

watchOS 7.6 is on its way, and there are a lot of features that need testing before the update goes out to consumers. Developers can now download the watchOS 7 beta to test it out and build new watch apps and features around it. You need to install a certificate on your Apple Watch, then download the software to your iPhone running the iOS 14 beta, transfer it across, and get it up and running. It's not hard, but it does take patience and you may have to troubleshoot.

Apple occasionally offers updates to iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS as closed developer previews or public betas. While the betas contain new features, they also contain pre-release bugs that can prevent the normal use of your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, or Mac, and are not intended for everyday use on a primary device. That's why we strongly recommend staying away from developer previews unless you need them for software development, and using the public betas with caution. If you depend on your devices, wait for the final release.

What's new in the watchOS 7.6 beta?

July 13, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.6 release candidate to developers

Apple has launched the release candidate of watchOS 7.6 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.5 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.5, now's the time to download and get started.

July 8, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.6 beta 5 to developers

Apple has released the fifth beta of watchOS 7.6 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.5 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.5, now's the time to download and get started.

June 29, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.6 beta 4 to developers

Apple has released the fourth beta of watchOS 7.6 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.5 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.5, now's the time to download and get started.

June 14, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.6 beta 3 to developers

Apple has released the third beta of watchOS 7.6 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.5 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.5, now's the time to download and get started.

June 2, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.6 beta 2 to developers

Apple has released the second beta of watchOS 7.6 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.5 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.5, now's the time to download and get started.

May 19, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.6 beta 1 to developers

Apple has released the first beta of watchOS 7.6 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.5 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.5, now's the time to download and get started.

May 17, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.5 release candidate

Apple has made the release candidate of watchOS 7.5 available for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.5 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.5, now's the time to download and get started.

May 10, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.5 beta 3

Apple has released the third beta of watchOS 7.5 available for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.5 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.5, now's the time to download and get started.

April 30, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.5 beta 2

Apple has released the second beta of watchOS 7.5 available for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.5 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.5, now's the time to download and get started.

April 22, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.5 beta 1

Apple has released the first beta of watchOS 7.5 available for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.4 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.4, now's the time to download and get started.

April 20, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.4 Release Candidate

Apple has seeded the Release Candidate of watchOS 7.4 available for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.4 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.4, now's the time to download and get started.

April 7, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.4 beta 7

Apple has released the seventh beta of watchOS 7.4 available for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.4 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.4, now's the time to download and get started.

March 31, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.4 beta 6

Apple has released the sixth beta of watchOS 7.4 available for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.4 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.4, now's the time to download and get started.

March 23, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.4 beta 5

Apple has released the fifth beta of watchOS 7.4 available for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.4 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.4, now's the time to download and get started.

March 15, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.4 beta 4

Apple has released the fourth beta of watchOS 7.4 available for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.4 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.4, now's the time to download and get started.

March 4, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.4 beta 3

Apple has released the third beta of watchOS 7.4 available for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.4 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.4, now's the time to download and get started.

February 16, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.4 beta 2

Apple has released the second beta of watchOS 7.4 available for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.4 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.4, now's the time to download and get started.

February 1, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.4 beta 1

Apple has released the first beta of watchOS 7.4 available for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.4 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.4, now's the time to download and get started.

January 21, 2021: Apple seeds watchOS 7.3 Release Candidate

Apple has just made the release candidate of watchOS 7.3 available for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.3 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.2, now's the time to download and get started.

January 13, 2021: Apple releases watchOS 7.3 beta 2

Apple has just released the second watchOS 7.3 beta for developers and public beta testers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.3 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.2, now's the time to download and get started.

December 16, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7.3 beta 1

Apple has just released the first watchOS 7.3 beta for developers and public beta testers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.3 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.2, now's the time to download and get started.

December 8, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7.2 Release Candidate

Apple has just released the watchOS 7.2 Release Candidate for developers and public beta testers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.2 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.2, now's the time to download and get started.

December 2, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7.2 beta 3

Apple has just released watchOS 7.2 beta 3 for developers and public beta testers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.2 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.2, now's the time to download and get started.

November 18, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7.2 beta 2

Apple has just released watchOS 7.2 beta 2 for developers and public beta testers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7.2 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.2, now's the time to download and get started.

November 12, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7.2 beta 1

Apple has just released watchOS 7.2 beta 1 for developers and public beta testers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7.2, now's the time to download and get started.

November 2, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7.1 RC for developers and public beta testers

Apple has just released watchOS 7.1 RC for developers and public beta testers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7, now's the time to download and get started.

Here are the release notes from watchOS 7.1 RC released to developers and public beta testers today:

  • Adds the ability to be notified when your headphone level could impact your hearing
  • Adds support for the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in the Republic of Korea and Russia
  • Adds support for irregular heart rhythm notifications in the Republic of Korea and Russia
  • Resolves an issue that prevented some users from unlocking Mac with Apple Watch
  • Fixes an issue where the screen may be dark on wrist raise for some Apple Watch Series 6 users

October 22, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7.1 beta 4 for developers

Apple has just released watchOS 7.1 beta 4 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7, now's the time to download and get started.

October 13, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7.1 beta 3 for developers

Apple has just released watchOS 7.1 beta 3 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7, now's the time to download and get started.

September 29, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7.1 beta 2 for developers

Apple has just released watchOS 7.1 beta 2 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7, now's the time to download and get started.

September 17, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7.1 beta 1 for developers

Apple has just released watchOS 7.1 beta 1 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7, now's the time to download and get started.

September 15, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7 beta Golden Master for developers

Apple has just released the watchOS 7 Golden Master for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7, now's the time to download and get started

September 9, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7 beta 8 for developers

Apple has just released watchOS 7 beta 8 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7, now's the time to download and get started.

September 1, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7 beta 7 for developers

Apple has just released watchOS 7 beta 7 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7, now's the time to download and get started.

August 25, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7 beta 6 for developers

Apple has just released watchOS 7 beta 6 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7, now's the time to download and get started.

August 18, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7 beta 5 for developers

Apple has just released watchOS 7 beta 5 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7, now's the time to download and get started.

August 4, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7 beta 4 for developers

Apple has just released watchOS 7 beta 4 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7, now's the time to download and get started.

July 22, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7 beta 3 for developers

Apple has just released watchOS 7 beta 3 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7, now's the time to download and get started.

July 7, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7 beta 2 for developers

Apple has just released watchOS 7 beta 2 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7, now's the time to download and get started.

June 22, 2020: Apple releases watchOS 7 beta 1 for developers

Apple has just released watchOS 7 beta 1 for developers. Follow the instructions below for installing watchOS 7 onto your Apple Watch. If you were waiting to begin watchOS testing with version 7, now's the time to download and get started.

How to install the watchOS 7 beta certificate

Note: Make sure you're running the developer beta for iOS 14 on your iPhone before trying to install watchOS 7.

  1. Log into developer.apple.com on the iPhone paired with your Apple Watch.
  2. Tap Discover.
  3. Tap watchOS.
  4. Tap Download.
  5. Sign in with your Apple ID if prompted.
  6. Tap Install Profile next to watchOS 7 Beta.
  7. Tap Allow on the prompt asking for permission to install a profile.
  8. Tap on Install begin.
  9. Enter your Passcode if prompted to do so.
  10. Tap on Install to confirm.
  11. Tap on Restart to reboot your Apple Watch.

Once your Apple Watch has rebooted the installation process goes back to normal.

How to install watchOS 7 using your iPhone

The certificate is what tells the Watch app on your iPhone that watchOS 7 is available. Once the Watch app detects the update, the process of installing it is the same as any other watchOS update, detailed below. (If the beta doesn't show up, reboot again.)

  1. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi and launch the Apple Watch app.
  2. Tap on the My Watch tab.
  3. Tap on General.

  4. Tap on Software Update.

    Install watchOS, showing how to open the Watch app, tap General, tap Software UpdateSource: iMore

  5. Tap on Download and Install.
  6. Enter your iPhone Passcode.

  7. Tap Agree to the Terms and Conditions.

    Install watchOS, showing how to tap Download and Install, enter your iPhone passcode, then tap AgreeSource: iMore

  8. Make sure your Apple Watch is charged to at least 50% and connect it to the magnetic charger.
  9. Tap Install on your iPhone and/or your Apple Watch.

The watchOS update will download and transfer to your Apple Watch and Apple Watch will reboot to apply the update. You can follow the progress on the Apple Watch screen, and once it's done, you'll be all set.

If the watchOS update fails at the verification stage, try again. If it fails repeatedly, un-pair and re-pair your Apple Watch and try again. (That un-pairing and re-pairing process takes a while so make sure verification really isn't working for you before you go through it.)

How to install watchOS 7 using your Apple Watch

Starting with watchOS 6, Apple added the ability to update your Apple Watch through the Settings app on the Apple Watch itself. While the process isn't completely iPhone-free yet, it wouldn't be surprising to see it become so over the course of this beta cycle. Here's how, as of right now, you can update your Apple Watch through the watch itself.

  1. Open Settings on your Apple Watch, either by using Siri or your app list.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Software Update.
  4. Tap Install.
  5. Tap OK.
  6. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  7. Agree to the Terms & Conditions while still on your iPhone.
  8. On your Apple Watch, tap Download & Install.

Your Apple Watch still needs to be on a charger for the update to install, and it won't do so until your watch has a battery level of at last 50%.

How to downgrade watchOS

Instructions for reverting back to watchOS are behind the developer center log in, so we can't replicate them here. Suffice it to say you can't do it on your own. Your Apple Watch will have to go back to Apple. That alone should give anyone who doesn't absolutely need the developer beta pause to reconsider installing it in the first place.

For developers who, for whatever reason, really do need to revert, you can find instructions for contacting Apple at the bottom of this document:

Apple Watch

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