Apple has released the first watchOS 27 public beta, allowing Apple Watch users to test the next major software update before its final release this fall. The update introduces Siri AI, a dynamic app grid, smarter suggestions, new gestures, and several health and fitness improvements.
The beta remains unfinished software, so users may experience shorter battery life, app crashes, connection problems, or slower performance. Apple Watch software also cannot be easily restored to an earlier public version, making installation on a primary device a greater risk.
How to Install the watchOS 27 Public Beta
Your paired iPhone must run the iOS 27 public beta before you can install watchOS 27.
- Visit the Apple Beta Software Program website and sign in with your Apple Account.
- Accept the program agreement and enroll your account if required.
- Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
- Tap My Watch > General > Software Update.
- Select Beta Updates.
- Choose watchOS 27 Public Beta.
- Return to the Software Update page and tap Download and Install.
Keep your Apple Watch on its charger with at least 50% battery during the installation. Your paired iPhone should remain nearby and connected to Wi-Fi.
Apple Watch Models Compatible With watchOS 27
The watchOS 27 compatibility list includes:
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Apple Watch SE 3
Users also need an iPhone 11 or newer, or an iPhone SE 2 or later, running iOS 27.
All the Changes in watchOS 27 Public Beta
- Siri AI: Siri can understand broader questions, remember the context of follow-up requests, and complete supported actions inside apps. A dedicated Siri app also lets users view and continue conversations across devices. Siri AI requires a supported Apple Watch paired with a nearby Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone.
- Dynamic app grid: Pressing the Digital Crown opens a redesigned app grid that changes based on recently used and popular apps. The Siri app remains near the centre for faster access.
- Smarter Smart Stack: Smart Stack can show suggestions based on your location, schedule, habits, and recent activity. It can surface a parked car location, an airport pass, a conversation to continue, or a reminder to adjust an alarm before a holiday.
- New one-handed tap gesture: Users can double tap to move through Smart Stack widgets, tap their index finger and thumb once to select the highlighted item, and use a wrist flick to return to the watch face.
- Improved Workout Buddy: Workout Buddy provides more useful coaching based on long-term changes in distance, pace, and workout duration. It can also work without keeping the paired iPhone in your pocket during supported workouts.
- Better treadmill tracking: Updated machine-learning models improve treadmill distance estimates from the beginning of a workout. Step totals recorded in the Fitness and Health apps also sync more consistently.
- Cycle Tracking updates: Users aged 40 and older can receive notifications when logged patterns suggest possible signs of perimenopause. The app also includes additional symptom logging and educational information.
- Redesigned Find My app: A single map-based Find My app replaces separate interfaces for finding people, devices, and items. Precision Finding supports compatible iPhones, AirTags, and AirPods models.
- Wallet improvements: Custom passes created on an iPhone appear in Wallet on Apple Watch. Frequently used passes can also be pinned to Smart Stack.
- Battery-saving suggestions: The system can recommend turning off features that users rarely activate, including Raise to Speak, workout reminders, or certain gestures. Each feature can be enabled again through Settings.
- Apple Watch For Your Kids controls: Parents receive redesigned Screen Time options, app schedules, and controls for approved contacts.
Apple will continue releasing watchOS 27 public beta updates throughout the summer before the final version arrives this fall. If you’ve already installed the update, let us know your experience in the comments.
