watchOS 7 Release Dates: Final Version, Beta, Public Beta
Apple showcased what’s next for Apple Watches at their online WWDC 2020 event by announcing watchOS 7, but you might be curious about when exactly Apple is going to release the upcoming Apple Watch software update.
From handwash detection to tracking dance moves, there’s plenty of reasons to be excited about the upcoming watchOS 7 software update (if you use a watchOS 7 compatible Apple Watch along with your iPhone anyway). If this interests you then read on, as we’ll be discussing the expected release dates for the final version, developer beta, and public beta builds of watchOS 7.
What is the watchOS 7 Release Date for Final Versions?
We understand how exciting a software update could be for the consumers, but it’s worth knowing that you won’t be able to get your hands on the final and stable versions of watchOS 7 for at least a couple of months. Head over to Apple’s watchOS 7 preview webpage and you’ll notice that they don’t give you a specific date. Instead, you’re given a general “fall” release timeframe.
Apple has a good track record of releasing final versions of their software like watchOS, iOS, macOS, etc. shortly after the announcement of new iPhones in September, October, and sometimes in November. Hence, it’s reasonable to expect the watchOS 7 software update to be rolled out in the same timeframe.
We’ll make sure to keep you updated regarding the exact dates as soon as we get any further confirmation, but for right now, the update is coming this fall. Therefore, don’t expect to get your hands on the software anytime soon unless you’re willing to try out the beta versions
watchOS 7 Developer Beta is Available Now
On the same day of the watchOS 7 announcement during the WWDC 2020 Keynote. Apple released the first developer beta of watchOS 7. As the name suggests, only developers who’re part of the Apple Developer Program can access this early build from Apple.
If you’re a registered developer yourself, you can try out watchOS 7 beta on your Apple Watch right now. Be mindful that your iPhone must be updated to the iOS 14 developer beta before you can install the latest watchOS software. Not a developer yet? You still have the option to enroll in the Apple Developer Program by paying a $99 annual fee. This gives you full access to the developer builds of all Apple software and allows you to publish your apps in the App Store.
Of course not everyone wants to be spending that kind of money simply for accessing beta software. However, you have the choice to install the developer profile from third-party sources on to your device, which technically allows you to get beta updates directly from Apple – but that really isn’t recommended. Alternatively, you can just sit back and wait just a bit longer for the public beta release.
watchOS 7 Public Beta Release Date
Normally every year, Apple begins seeding the public beta of watchOS a few weeks after the developer beta release, so there’s no reason to expect anything different this time around. That being said, you’d notice upon checking Apple’s website that there’s no exact date mentioned. All you see for now is “Coming Soon” which is not what you want to know. However, Apple did specify July as the timeline for the public beta during WWDC 2020.
Last year, watchOS 6 was rolled out three weeks after the developer beta release. Considering the developer beta was released in the fourth week of June this year, we can realistically expect the public beta to be available around mid-July, though this is just speculation. We’ll be sure to keep you posted in case of any changes or delays.
Not all Apple Watch will receive the beta firmware when Apple releases the public beta update. It’s restricted to select users just like the developer beta. You’ll need to enroll your iPhone in the Apple Public Beta Software Program to be eligible for the watchOS 7 public beta.
Unlike the Developer Program, enrollment in the Public Beta Software Program is completely free, so make sure you do it if you don’t have the patience to wait till September for the final release. Enrolling your iPhone and Apple Watch in the Apple Beta Software Program also gives you beta access to macOS, tvOS, and iPadOS, which could come in handy especially if you own multiple Apple devices, and if you want to check out upcoming software releases for other devices too.
Just remember, beta versions notably less stable than final releases, and could prevent the device, apps, and other functionality from working as expected, or working at all. Therefore we highly recommend you to not install beta system software versions on your primary device.
We hope you have a clear idea of the watchOS 7 release schedule for final and beta versions now. Are you keen on trying out the public beta when it comes out? Or, have you already installed the developer beta by any chance? Share your valuable thoughts and experience in the comments section down below.
