Following Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, while iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence captured headlines, watchOS 11 also introduced significant updates for Apple’s wearables. Features such as the new Training Load for enhanced workouts, a Vitals app for monitoring critical health metrics, and the ability to skip a day without closing your activity rings promise to elevate the Apple Watch experience. Notably, watchOS 11 will exclusively support Apple Watch Series 6 and newer models, including the Apple Watch Ultra.
Although the official release of watchOS 11 is slated for later this year, coinciding with the expected launch of the Apple Watch Series X, enthusiasts eager to explore the latest features can access them through the developer beta. Here’s a detailed guide on downloading and installing the watchOS 11 developer beta on your Apple Watch, emphasizing necessary precautions and steps for a smooth update process.
Back Up Your Apple Watch
Before proceeding with the installation, it’s crucial to back up your Apple Watch. This step is particularly vital with early developer betas, designed primarily for app developers preparing for the final release. Follow these steps to ensure your data is protected:
- Back Up Your iPhone: Your Apple Watch backup is stored on your iPhone. Begin by backing up your iPhone to a Mac or PC.
- Sync Your Apple Watch: Ensure your Apple Watch is synced with your iPhone to back up all data.
While this backup won’t allow you to revert to watchOS 10, it can restore your data on the watchOS 11 beta if needed. Additionally, keeping an extra copy of your iPhone backup on your computer provides added security against potential issues.
Install the iOS 18 Developer Beta on Your iPhone
Since watchOS updates require the corresponding iOS version on the paired iPhone, start by installing the iOS 18 developer beta:
- Sign Up for a Free Apple Developer Account: Register for a developer account on Apple’s Developer website.
- Download iOS 18 Developer Beta: Follow the instructions outlined in our guide to install the iOS 18 beta on your iPhone.
With your iPhone running the iOS 18 developer beta, you’re ready to proceed with the watchOS 11 installation.
Install the watchOS 11 Developer Beta on Your Apple Watch
Now, install the watchOS 11 beta on your Apple Watch. Follow these steps:
- Access the Watch App on Your iPhone:
- Open the Watch app.
- Navigate to General Settings:
- Select ‘General’.
- Choose Software Update:
- Tap ‘Software Update’.
- Enable Beta Updates:
- Select ‘Beta Updates’. This option appears only if your Apple ID is recognised as part of the beta programme.
- Choose ‘watchOS 11 Developer Beta’ from the list.
- Download and Install:
- Place your Apple Watch on its charger.
- Ensure it’s connected to Wi-Fi and within range of your iPhone.
- Tap ‘Download and Install’ to initiate the process.
The download and installation may take several minutes to an hour. You can continue using your Apple Watch during the download, provided it’s charged to at least 50% and remains on the charger.
Managing Future Beta Updates
Once installed, the developer beta setting remains enabled, allowing you to receive future watchOS 11 beta updates. You can opt out of future betas by disabling ‘Beta Updates’. This action halts further updates but doesn’t revert your watchOS version. This flexibility is beneficial if a particular beta version presents significant issues, enabling you to skip it until a stable version is available.
Alternatively, once the public beta launches, expected in July, switch from the developer beta to the public beta by selecting ‘watchOS 11 Public Beta’ from the same menu.
Installing the watchOS 11 developer beta offers an exciting opportunity to preview new features ahead of the official release. However, proceed with caution. Ensure your devices are backed up and acknowledge potential risks, such as the inability to revert to previous watchOS versions and the absence of warranty support for devices running beta software. Those prioritising stability may prefer to await the public beta in July or the final release later in the year. With careful preparation, embrace the latest advancements in Apple’s wearable technology with confidence.
