Following its introduction during today’s WWDC keynote, Apple has now released watchOS 26 developer beta 1. Here’s what you should know.
watchOS 26 developer beta 1 available now, requires iOS 26
watchOS 26 is the next major software version for the Apple Watch.
It follows the current watchOS 11, with a new naming scheme that ties Apple’s software to a specific year and unifies all platforms with the same number.
Developer beta 1 for watchOS 26 is now available for download.
In order to download it, you first need to have the iOS 26 beta installed on your iPhone.
After that, the new beta can be accessed by opening the Watch app in iOS 26 and going to General ⇾ Software Update.
Note that Apple does not recommend installing developer betas on your main device, as a variety of bugs and performance issues are expected.
But for those who wish to gain access to the newest Apple Watch features months before they ship publicly, the developer beta enables that.
If Apple follows its standard release pattern, watchOS 26 will launch publicly to all users in mid-September.
For all the latest from WWDC, check out our dedicated WWDC 2025 news hub.
Which watchOS 26 beta features are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments.
Best Apple Watch deals and accessories
- Apple Watch Series 10, 46mm (now only $329, down from $429)
- Anker portable USB-C charger for Apple Watch
- AirPods Pro 2 (now only $169, down from $249)
- 20W USB-C charging brick
- Retro Mac stand for Apple Watch Nightstand Mode
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