Apple kicks off Watch OS 7 public beta

By Zoe Christen Jones Published April 25, 2023

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

Recommended Videos

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.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

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.

Topics

Zoe Christen Jones

Former Digital Trends Contributor

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

Mobile

Government demands answers from Apple over iOS 18 performance problems

A person holding the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Soon after Apple began the public rollout of iOS 18 — loaded with the Apple Intelligence stack — there were plenty of negative reports documenting sluggish performance, camera woes, UI status, and more.

Today, Apple has received a stern notice from India’s consumer watchdog over the performance issues encountered by iPhone users after installing the update. It is not quite the same as “Apple deliberately slowing down old iPhones,” because the iOS 18 woes also affect the latest iPhone models. The notice was issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), a regulatory agency that oversees consumer grievances and violations of their rights, while also conducting investigations and issuing orders related to recalls.

Mobile

Apple hit by lawsuit over harmful ‘forever chemicals’ in Watch bands

Apple Watch Sport Band.

This article has been updated with a statement from Apple.

Apple is the target of a class action lawsuit alleging that the tech giant has been selling Apple Watch bands containing high levels of PFAS -- commonly known as "forever chemicals” -- without properly informing customers of their presence or associated health risks. Forever chemicals are so called due to their extreme persistence in the environment and inability to break down naturally. They can also build up in the body over time and have been linked to increased cancer risk, immune system suppression, and potential harm to unborn children. Studies are ongoing to determine the level of risk attached to such chemicals.

Mobile

Nomad’s glowing Apple Watch band looks outrageous, but that’s not why I love it

A person wearing the Nomad Sport Band in the Icy Blue glow-in-the-dark finish.

Since my Apple Watch Series 10 arrived I’ve worn it with Apple’s Milanese Loop band, which is easily one of the best you can buy, but when Nomad announced a new glow-in-the-dark Sport Band, I thought it was time for a change. Turns out, getting it to glow was a bit of a challenge, and while it looks as outrageous as you'd expect, I found I like it for a different reason.
Wearing the band

I’ll come to the glow in the dark bit next, but for me to even think about wearing Nomad’s Sport Band it had to come at least close to the Milanese Loop’s comfort. I’m very pleased to say it does, and it’s an interesting alternative to Apple’s own Sport Band. The fluoroelastemer rubber material is surprisingly thick and therefore feels very durable. I could wear it for any sport or activity and not worry about it.