Apple watchOS 7 is available via public beta starting today. It is the first time Apple has released a public beta for its smartwatch.
Times are changing. For the first time ever, Apple has released a public beta of watchOS for people to try out before its final release. You can install it today.
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Excited? Cool, but you should know there are a few steps you will need to take before being able to test out the new watchOS7. First, you must install the iOS 14 public beta preview on your iPhone to get the watchOS 7 beta software.
What’s new in watchOS 7?
Apple is bringing a bunch of long-awaited features to watchOS7. For starters, sleep tracking is finally going to be built-in the OS. It comes with a new Wind Down mode that works with your iPhone to start snoozing notifications and activate your smart home presets to help you get into the mood.
watchOS7 also brings in a redesigned Fitness app that supports more movement and activities, including dancing. It brings cycling directions to Apple Maps and you will now be able to create richer complication combinations with watchfaces.
Perhaps my favorite new feature, however, automatically detects when you are washing your hands (combining motion and the sound of water) and begins a timer for you, so you always wash your hands enough. (bye-bye COVID-19)
How to download watchOS7 public beta
First, you should know that watchOS7 will only work on Series 3 or newer since Apple has ended major software updates for Series 1 and 2.
Ok, now make sure your iPhone is running the iOS14 public beta. Without it, you won’t be able to download watchOS7. Apple has a great guide for this, available here.
Now click on watchOS from your iPhone to download the watchOS 7 beta software profile. Then go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, tap the profile, and then “Install.” That’s it, your Apple Watch will receive the latest public beta software automatically. If you are impatient, you can always head over to the Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone, tap the My Watch tab, then go to General > Software Update.