Apple kicks off Watch OS 7 public beta

By Zoe Christen Jones August 10, 2020

Apple has released its first public beta for the Apple Watch OS 7.

In addition to Apple’s annual public betas of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac OS, the Apple Watch will debut its first public beta this year. Its newest feature is Apple’s sleep tracking, which has been added as an onboarding feature. Unlike other third-party apps, Apple’s sleep tracking technology focuses less on sleep content and more on bedtime routines and schedules. The new OS also includes additional watch faces, face sharing, aging fitness levels, and a handwashing tracker.

If your Apple Watch is a Series 1 or 2, don’t get too excited. The new OS can only be supported by an Apple Watch Series 3 or higher, although there are several features exclusive to the new series 5 model.

How to get the Apple Watch OS 7 public beta

No need to wait. The Watch OS 7 public beta is available for download right now. Most developers suggest downloading betas on devices separate from your main ones, to prevent glitches that disable primary hardware. First, take the iPhone paired with your watch and back it up. All iPhone backups include backups of synced watches, which means your information will be saved in case of glitches.

Then, user your Apple ID to create a beta account at https://beta.apple.com. Once you’ve enrolled and downloaded the public beta profile, your device will need to be rebooted.

Once your device has been backed up and rebooted, go back to the beta Apple site. It’s important that you pick the watchOS page instead of the iOS beta, as you don’t want to accidentally choose the new iPhone beta. Next, go to your iPhone’s Profiles & Developments page, under the general page in settings, and install the watchOS 7 public beta profile.

Finally, update your account, and your Apple Watch will be ready to go! You’ll be able to enjoy the new features, and hopefully avoid any glitches along the way.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Zoe Christen Jones

Zoe Christen Jones is a breaking news reporter. She covers news, digital culture, tech, and more. Previously, she was…

Mobile

Why you shouldn’t buy a new Apple Watch right now

The curved screen on the Apple Watch Series 9.

It has been over six months since the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 launched, and they are still considered two of the best smartwatches on the market. However, there are two significant reasons why you might not want to purchase either of these models.

Those reasons are the Apple Watch Series 8 and the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra. That's right — buying a 2022 Apple Watch over the newer models might be a better choice for you.
Why now's a great time to buy an old Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Series 9 (top) and Apple Watch Series 8 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Mobile

8 watches you should buy instead of an Apple Watch

A person wearing the Apple Watch Series 9.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is the best smartwatch you can buy, regardless of the fact you can only use it with an iPhone. It's also great that it comes in three flavors — the Series 9, along with the Apple Watch SE 2, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 — to suit many more people and pockets than you may first think. However, perhaps you want something a little different on your wrist or even a weekend alternative when you don’t feel like wearing a touchscreen watch.

That’s where this list should help you out, as we’ve gathered eight watches to buy instead of the Apple Watch. Notice I said “watches,” and not just smartwatches, as some non-connected wristwear has been included. Our choices cover the entire Apple Watch range in terms of price, even going above and below, to give you some real inspiration about a watch to buy instead of — or as well as — the superb Apple Watch.
Casio G-Shock GPR-H1000 Rangeman
Casio G-Shock Rangeman Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Mobile

Is the Apple Watch Series 9 waterproof?

Exercise data showing on the Apple Watch Series 9.

The Apple Watch Series 9, released in September 2023, is the latest addition to Apple's line of smartwatches. Alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Series 9 boasts many impressive features and upgrades.

The Apple Watch Series 9 resembles its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 8, in terms of design. However, it does come with a few notable improvements. The watch offers more peak brightness, which makes it easier to view in bright sunlight, and the new chip is faster and more efficient than the previous model. It can also process some Siri requests entirely on-device, allowing you to perform certain commands even when not connected to your iPhone.