Apple has released the first beta of watchOS 10 to registered developers following its WWDC 2023 keynote. Eligible developers now have early access to the upcoming software update for the Apple Watch set to publicly launch in the fall.
watchOS 10 is the biggest software update ever to the Apple Watch. With watchOS 10, Apple is introducing new ways of interacting with the Apple Watch, including widgets for quick, glanceable information, significantly redesigned first-party apps that take advantage of the bigger screen on recent Apple Watch models, and more.
How to download watchOS 10 beta
With watchOS 10 and the new software beta updates this year, Apple is making it harder for users to download the betas, enforcing a stricter rule that only registered developers can get the updates.
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Previously, users simply needed to install a beta profile configuration on their device to install the beta updates. The beta profiles for new updates typically spread quickly online. That method meant that many users not part of the Apple Developer program could install and use the betas, which can be dangerous on a daily driver device as the software is unstable and buggy.
With iOS 16.4 and later watchOS 9.5, Apple is changing this. Now, only devices enrolled with a linked Apple Developer account will see a new menu within the Apple Watch app on iPhone. A watchOS-specific configuration profile must first be downloaded from Apple Developer’s website before navigating to General -> Software Update -> Beta Updates in the Apple Watch app to download and install any new watchOS 10 beta.
Devices that aren’t enrolled and linked to an Apple Developer account won’t see the menu and therefore aren’t able to install the upcoming versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS before their public debut.
The Apple Developer Program costs $99 a year and gives developers access to all of Apple’s development tools and the ability to develop, code, and distribute apps on the App Store. Alternatively, Apple does a public beta program, which is free and open to anyone who wishes to join. Public beta program members won’t get access to watchOS 10 beta and the rest of the new updates until later in the summer, once the software has been tested with developers and becomes more stable.
