Apple released watchOS 26.3 beta 1 in mid December, and watchOS 26.3 beta 2 is now available for registered developers. The new build is 23S5600d, replacing beta 1’s 23S5586d.
This beta targets developers testing app compatibility ahead of the public release later in the watchOS 26 cycle. Apple has not positioned watchOS 26.3 as a major feature drop, so expect smaller refinements rather than big UI changes.
How to update watchOS 26.3 beta 2
- Keep your Apple Watch on its charger and above 50% battery.
- On iPhone, open the Watch app.
- Tap General > Software Update.
- Choose the watchOS 26.3 Developer Beta option if it appears, then install.
Changes in watchOS 26.3 beta 2
Apple’s notes for this beta focus on bug fixes, stability improvements, and performance tuning. If you are testing an app, watch for changes to background tasks, complications refresh behavior, and notification delivery, since these are common areas that shift in late-cycle betas.
If you spot anything new in beta 2, tell us what changed for you in the comments.
