Apple has released watchOS 26.3 beta 1 to developers, only a few days after watchOS 26.2 shipped on Friday, December 12, 2025. This is the first test build in the 26.3 cycle, and it gives developers an early look at what is coming next for Apple Watch.
The first watchOS 26.3 developer beta carries build number 23S5586d. Apple is offering it through the normal beta update flow, so you do not need a separate profile download in most cases.
Because this is an early beta, expect rough edges. Install it only if you are comfortable with bugs, app issues, and battery quirks that can come with pre-release software.
How to update to watchOS 26.3 beta 1
- Update your iPhone to the latest beta first, since the Watch update flow depends on the paired iPhone.
- Put your Apple Watch on its charger and make sure it has at least 50 percent battery.
- Keep your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and near your Apple Watch.
- On iPhone, open the Watch app and go to My Watch > General > Software Update > Beta Updates.
- Select the watchOS 26 Developer Beta, then return to Software Update and install the update.
Changes in watchOS 26.3 beta 1
Apple has not shared detailed feature highlights for watchOS 26.3 beta 1 yet, so the focus looks like early-cycle maintenance and testing rather than a big feature drop. In practice, that usually means bug fixes, performance work, and smaller UI tweaks that surface over the next few betas.
This beta also lands right after watchOS 26.2, which already delivered refinements like Sleep Score updates and safety-related improvements. That timing often signals a shorter, quieter beta cycle that tightens the experience instead of changing it.
If you spot anything new in watchOS 26.3 beta 1, let us know in the comments.
