Each year, Apple’s major software updates are released together, ensuring tight integration across its ecosystem. This year, the iOS 18 release is accompanied by watchOS 11, which introduces exciting new features like the Vitals app for tracking health metrics, Training Load for optimizing workouts, and more customizable activity goals. Unfortunately, watchOS 11 will only support the Apple Watch Series 6 and newer models, excluding the original Apple Watch SE despite its 2020 release, as it uses an older chip.
The public release of watchOS 11 is expected later this year, likely around the time Apple unveils the Apple Watch Series 10. However, eager users can access the features early through a public beta. Public betas are more stable than developer betas but still not fully polished. Notably, you cannot revert to a previous watchOS version if issues arise, and Apple’s warranty doesn’t cover devices running beta software.
Steps to Install watchOS 11 Beta
1. Back Up Your Apple Watch: Ensure you have a backup of your Apple Watch. Although you can’t revert to watchOS 10, you can restore this backup on watchOS 11 beta if something goes wrong. Back up your Apple Watch through your iPhone, and consider saving an extra copy on your computer.
2. Install iOS 18 Beta on Your iPhone: Your Apple Watch requires your iPhone to be on the iOS 18 beta. Follow a guide to install the iOS 18 beta on your iPhone before proceeding.
3. Install watchOS 11 Beta:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Go to General > Software Update.
- Select Beta Updates. This option appears if your Apple ID is registered for beta programs.
- Choose watchOS 11 Public Beta.
- Ensure your Apple Watch is on its charger, within range of your iPhone, and connected to Wi-Fi.
- Select Download and Install.
The beta installation process can take from a few minutes to an hour. You can use your Apple Watch while the beta downloads, but it must be charged to at least 50% and on its charger to complete the installation.
You can opt-out of future beta updates by turning off Beta Updates in the settings, but this won’t revert your Apple Watch back to watchOS 10. Instead, it will prevent future betas from installing until the final release.
By following these steps, you can explore watchOS 11’s new features ahead of its official release.
