watchOS 7 Public Beta.
Similar to iOS 14 and macOS Big Sur, watchOS 7 is also currently beta-tested and fine-tuned for public release slated for this fall.
What’s new, however, is that Apple has released, for the very first time, a public beta for an upcoming version of watchOS.
This means that anyone can download and install watchOS 7 Public Beta on Apple Watch as long as you have a watchOS 7 compatible model.
Installing watchOS 7 Public Beta gives you instant access to some important new features such as sleep tracking, automatic hand washing, new watch faces, watch face sharing, more types of training, etc.
Be aware that like any other version of the test software, the beta of watchOS 7 comes with a fair share of bugs and glitches. The upcoming Apple Watch operating system is yet to be tuned, resulting in faster battery drain as well as other inconveniences.
How to install the watchOS 7 public beta
Fact: To be able to download watchOS 7 Public Beta on Apple Watch, you must be running an iOS 14 Beta version on the paired iPhone. Tap here for a detailed step-by-step tutorial on how to install the latest public beta of iOS 14 on your iPhone.
Important: Check the side effects listed at the end of this article before you decide to upgrade to watchOS 7 Public Beta.
If you are already running iOS 14th generation on the companion device, follow these steps:
Download watchOS 7 Beta software profile
1. Press here to open the official Apple Beta software program website, in a new tab.
2. To log in if you are already a member or Register with your Apple ID.
3. in the ‘Guide to public betas’ section, select watchOS.
4. Scroll down for the ‘To start’ section and press register your Apple Watch.
5. Then scroll down to ‘Install watchOS 7 Beta software profile’ and press Download profile button.
6. Press on To allow to confirm the download.
Point: Apple Watch must be paired with iPhone before proceeding to the next step.
Install the watchOS 7 Beta software profile
7. Tap Install, available in the upper right corner of the screen, to retrieve the watchOS Beta software profile.
Provide your iPhone passcode and accept Apple’s terms (press “Install” again).
Finally, press Install once more and the watchOS 7 configuration profile will be downloaded and installed on your iPhone.
Point: Tap To restart to allow your iPhone to restart and save the new profile settings.
Download watchOS 7 Public Beta
8. Open the (Apple) Watch app on your iPhone.
9. in the ‘My watch’ tab, press General.
ten. To select Software update.
11. WatchOS 7 public beta should appear on the software update screen. Connect your Apple Watch to its charger and tap Download and install.
12. Provide your iPhone passcode, agree to Apple’s terms, and be patient until the new watchOS 7 public test version is downloaded and deployed to your device on the wrist.
Install watchOS 7 Public Beta
13. Tap Install now as soon as the download and preparations are complete. Please be patient until watchOS 7 Beta is installed. Apple Watch will restart automatically to mark the end of the upgrade process.
watchOS 7 Side Effects of Public Beta
There are drawbacks to updating to watchOS 7, as well as the new features mentioned above:
1. No tactile force – Sensitive press also known as 3D Touch on iPhone is completely disabled in watchOS 7, for all compatible Apple watches. You can still long-press various areas and icons for hidden functions or menus, but the experience won’t be as immersive.
2. No way to back down – If you are not happy with the performance of the watchOS 7 public beta, you do not have the option to revert to watchOS 6. This means you have to stick with the test version until the public release scheduled for this fall.
Fact: There is an unpopular and time-wasting workaround. You can email your Apple Watch to an Apple Store and ask Genius Bar to reinstall the latest version of watchOS 6 on your Apple Watch.
3. Battery drain and performance issues – Last but not least, we’ve experienced accelerated battery drain in all watchOS 7 beta test version issues so far. The watchOS 7 betas are fairly stable but have yet to be fine-tuned. Don’t be surprised if apps crash unexpectedly.
Did you successfully install watchOS 7 Public Beta on Apple Watch? Let us know, using the comments section available below.
Related: Apple Watch Series 6 could support blood oxygen level function.