1. iOS 18 — what's next for iPhone?
2. iPadOS 18 — will Apple finally unleash the power of iPad?
3. macOS 15 — what's new for Mac?
4. Apple Intelligence — what will it be able to do?
watchOS 11 public beta has arrived and you can download it right now for your favorite smartwatch.
The latest software for all the best Apple Watches brings a new Vitals app to stay healthy and rest days to the Activity app.
If you're thinking of taking the plunge, remember that your iPhone also has to update to iOS 18. You can find out how to do that right here. Once you've done that, read on and find out how you can update your Apple Watch to watchOS 11 beta.
watchOS 11 beta is here and you can install it now
Beta software, also referred to as a preview, seed, or release candidate, is a version of software that’s still under development and not yet released to the public. This software is intended only for installation on development devices registered under your Apple Developer Program membership. Registered development devices can be upgraded to future beta releases and the public version of the software. Attempting to install beta software in an unauthorized manner violates Apple policy and could render your device unusable and necessitate an out-of-warranty repair. Make sure to back up your devices before installing beta software and install only on devices and systems that you’re prepared to erase if necessary.
watchOS 11 brings some great new additions to your Apple Watch without the need to purchase a new device. Live Activities come to the Watch, which allows you to get up-to-date information right from a widget in Smart Stack. This means you'll be able to track your food delivery with GrubHub, follow the arrival of an Uber, or check up on live flight information with United Airlines, directly from your wrist. Another big feature is rest days. You can finally pause a streak within the Fitness app! This can be very useful if you've had an injury, for example, keeping you from doing a workout.
How to download and install watchOS 11 developer beta
Installing watchOS 11 on your Apple Watch is incredibly simple. So simple in fact that you can do it in just a few easy steps.
- Open Apple Watch app
- Tap General, then Software Update
- Enable Beta Updates
- Select watchOS 11 developer beta 3
That's all there is to it. Your Apple Watch will now update to the latest operating system. The process may take a little while to download and install, but you can keep going about your day until the installation process begins.
How to download and install watchOS 11 public beta 1
The watchOS 11 public beta is now available, here's how to install it:
- Open Settings
- Tap General, then Software Update
- Enable Beta Updates
- Select iOS 18 public beta 1
- Open Apple Watch app
- Tap General, then Software Update
- Enable Beta Updates
- Select watchOS 11 public beta 1
The wonders of watchOS 11 await
It's not just Live Activities and the ability to have rest days that are new in watchOS 11. The new Vitals app uses the built-in sensors of your watch and the data they all produce to create a more detailed picture of your health. Apple Watch can see what's happening with your heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, sleep duration, and blood oxygen. This way, it can give you a better idea of the state of your health. Vitals will also alert you when certain levels aren't within their normal operation.
It's worth noting that despite the availability of these betas, you should never install a watchOS beta on your primary device and we advise against doing so.
