Apple has released the third public betas of watchOS 27 and tvOS 27, giving Apple Watch and Apple TV users another pre-release build to test ahead of the updates’ fall launch. A new HomePod Software 27 public beta is also available.
Public beta 3 arrives shortly after Apple released the corresponding developer betas. This update is primarily focused on refining the existing watchOS 27 and tvOS 27 experience, with a handful of changes worth knowing about.
What’s New in watchOS 27 Public Beta 3
The third public beta does not introduce a major new watchOS feature, but it brings the latest developer build to public beta testers. The release continues Apple’s work on the features introduced earlier in the watchOS 27 beta cycle.
Siri AI
Siri AI is one of the biggest new features in watchOS 27 overall. With a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, Siri can answer questions, access personal information, and perform actions from the Apple Watch.
watchOS 27 also introduces a dedicated Siri app that appears in the new dynamic app grid when the Digital Crown is pressed.
Smart Stack
watchOS 27 adds a new gesture for selecting widgets in the Smart Stack. Apple is also expanding Smart Stack suggestions, including prompts for finding a parked car, accessing a transit card, or remembering a birthday.
Workout and Find My Updates
Workout Buddy can work without an iPhone nearby, while treadmill running and walking distances are tracked more accurately.
Apple is also bringing a unified Find My app to the Apple Watch, with Precision Finding support on compatible devices.
What’s New in tvOS 27 Public Beta 3
tvOS 27 public beta 3 similarly focuses on bringing the latest developer build to public testers rather than introducing a long list of brand-new features.
Redesigned Podcasts App
One of the larger tvOS 27 changes is a redesigned Podcasts app. The updated experience gives Apple TV users a refreshed way to browse and listen to podcasts.
Apple Music Improvements
tvOS 27 adds Hi-Res Lossless audio support to Apple Music, along with AutoMix for smoother transitions between songs.
Apple has also made profile switching easier, which should be particularly useful on shared Apple TV devices.
Faster Apple TV Performance
Apple is making several performance improvements in tvOS 27. Apps can launch faster, animations are more responsive, and Apple TV devices can connect more quickly when AirPlaying content.
HomePod Software 27 Public Beta 3
Apple has also released a new HomePod Software 27 public beta alongside the watchOS 27 and tvOS 27 updates.
The HomePod update is part of Apple’s wider OS 27 beta cycle. Apple is continuing to test the software ahead of the final releases expected this fall.
When Will watchOS 27 and tvOS 27 Be Released?
Apple is expected to release the final versions of watchOS 27 and tvOS 27 this fall alongside its new Apple Watch and Apple TV hardware.
The third public betas are now available to members of Apple’s public beta program. Because these are still pre-release builds, users should expect bugs, performance issues, and compatibility problems before the final software arrives.
