WatchOS 27 has arrived: How to download the developer beta now

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Apple Watch Ultra 3
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After unveiling WatchOS 27 astatine WWDC 2026, Apple made the developer beta mentation disposable to users. While astir ticker users volition person a escaped bundle update to iOS 27 this autumn (though availability whitethorn alteration by carrier, region, and section regulations), you tin get entree arsenic aboriginal arsenic close present successful a fewer elemental steps. 

WatchOS 27 is the successor to WatchOS 26, the latest operating strategy for Apple's lineup of smartwatches. Notably, the WatchOS 27 bundle volition not beryllium disposable for the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, and 9, and the first-gen Apple Watch Ultra. 

Also: Apple WWDC 2026: iOS 27, Siri and Tim Cook's past lawsuit arsenic CEO

If you're funny successful being 1 of the archetypal to trial the caller WatchOS 27, you tin present instal the developer beta connected your device, followed by the nationalist beta successful July. Remember that beta versions ever travel with bugs oregon glitches, truthful ZDNET recommends backing up your information and keeping an unfastened mind. 

This WatchOS won't beryllium flawless, but it does travel with immoderate caller upgrades similar a dedicated Siri app, a caller dynamic app grid, a single-tap motion to unfastened a Smart Stack widget, much fittingness insights with Workout Buddy, enhanced rhythm tracking, and more. 

How to instal the WatchOS 27 developer beta

  1. Download iOS 27 beta first 

iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max
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To entree the latest WatchOS 27, you'll request to archetypal instal the iOS 27 developer beta. Here's how to bash so. 

2. Navigate to the Watch app connected your iPhone

Apple Watch Series 11
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Then, unfastened the Watch app and navigate to General > Software Update > Beta Updates to prime the WatchOS 27 beta. Remember that WatchOS 27 is constricted to Apple Watch Series 10 and newer.

When volition WatchOS 27 beryllium released?

Apple released the WatchOS 27 developer beta during WWDC 2026, and the nationalist beta mentation volition apt beryllium released successful July. If past years are immoderate indication, the wide merchandise of WatchOS 27 volition instrumentality spot successful September, pursuing the iPhone 18 event.

Which Apple Watches are compatible with WatchOS 27?

  • Apple Watch SE (3rd Gen) 
  • Apple Watch Series 10
  • Apple Watch Series 11
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2
  • Apple Watch Ultra 3

WatchOS 27 besides requires an iPhone 11 oregon later, oregon iPhone SE (2nd procreation oregon later), moving iOS 27. As successful erstwhile versions, if you've got an older Apple Watch, definite features whitethorn not beryllium disposable upon update. 

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Which Apple Watches are not compatible with WatchOS 27? 

WatchOS 27 cuts enactment for Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, and 9, and the first-gen Apple Watch Ultra.

How bash I instal the WatchOS 27 nationalist beta version?

To instal WatchOS 27 beta, you'll archetypal request to person iOS 27 beta installed connected your iPhone. Here's a guide from ZDNET expert Maria Diaz connected however to bash so. After you implicit these prerequisites, you tin unfastened the Watch app and navigate to General > Software Update > Beta Updates to prime the WatchOS 27 beta. WatchOS 27 additionally has choky hardware requirements: it's lone constricted to Apple Watch Series 10 and newer.

How bash I instal iOS 27 erstwhile it's available?

The nationalist merchandise of WatchOS 27 is expected this September. Depending connected the carrier, region, and section restrictions, compatible Apple Watch users volition beryllium capable to upgrade aft it's available. If your instrumentality doesn't automatically propulsion its ain update erstwhile the clip is right, you tin ever manually statesman the process by ensuring your ticker has astatine slightest 50% battery. Then you tin usage the Apple Watch app connected your iPhone oregon the watch's Settings to download and instal the update. 

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