Apple released watchOS 27 developer beta 1 on June 8, 2026, right after the WWDC 2026 keynote. Any developer with a free Apple Developer account can install it now. Before you start, there are compatibility checks and a prerequisite iOS install to handle.
Check compatibility before you start
watchOS 27 supports these Apple Watch models:
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Apple Watch SE 3
watchOS 27 drops support for the Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, the original Apple Watch Ultra, and the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation). The update now requires the S9 or S10 chip, cutting off several relatively recent models.
One point worth clarifying: Apple’s compatibility page mistakenly omitted the Series 9 at launch, which caused confusion. Apple has since confirmed the Series 9 is fully supported and corrected its website. Series 9 owners can proceed.
Your paired iPhone must be an iPhone 11 or later, or an iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), running iOS 27 beta 1. Sort out that iOS requirement before anything else.
Steps to install the watchOS 27 developer beta
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- Create or sign in to a free Apple Developer account. Go to developer.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID. A free account is sufficient. Apple no longer requires the paid $99 per year Apple Developer Program membership to access the beta.
- Back up your iPhone and Apple Watch. Beta software can introduce unexpected issues. It is also worth taking a moment to free up iPhone storage before installing the beta to avoid running into space issues mid-update. Back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer before proceeding. Your Apple Watch data backs up automatically to its paired iPhone, so the iPhone backup covers both devices.
- Install iOS 27 beta 1 on your iPhone. watchOS 27 requires iOS 27 on the paired iPhone. Follow the steps to install the iOS 27 developer beta for free, open Settings, go to General, then Software Update, tap Beta Updates, and select the iOS 27 developer beta. Download and install it, let the phone restart, and complete setup before moving on.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone. Once iOS 27 is running, open the Watch app. Keep your Apple Watch nearby, connected to its charger, and showing at least 50% battery. The installation will not begin if the watch is too low on charge.
- Navigate to Software Update. In the Watch app, tap General, then tap Software Update.
- Enable beta updates. Tap Beta Updates. The watchOS 27 developer beta should appear as an available option. Select it.
- Download and install the update. Tap Install and confirm when prompted. The update downloads to your watch over Wi-Fi. The current build is 24R5289n. Keep the watch on its charger throughout. Installation typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Stability risks and what to expect
Apple does not recommend installing developer betas on a primary device. Beta 1 of a major watchOS release is the least stable build in the entire cycle. Battery drain, performance issues, and unexpected crashes are all realistic at this stage.
The watchOS 27 public beta will not arrive until July 2026. That will be a more polished option for users who want early access without the rougher edges. The final public release is expected in fall 2026, likely September. In the meantime, Apple is continuing parallel work on the current software cycle, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 beta 7 are also available for developers.
If something goes wrong during installation, your iPhone backup is the recovery path. Restoring a watch from a backup requires it to be paired to the same iPhone, so keep that device accessible throughout.
watchOS 27 brings an updated Liquid Glass design with improved contrast and refraction, a new Dynamic App Grid accessible via the Digital Crown, and extended Siri AI capabilities that support full back-and-forth conversations using your personal data to complete tasks. Those features make the watchOS 27 developer beta worth exploring for developers, but go in with clear expectations about stability.
