Apple rolls out watchOS 7 public beta for Apple Watch: How to install, features and more

Apple has finally rolled out watchOS 7 in public beta for Apple Watch users. This is the first time Apple has rolled out watchOS in public beta before the stable release. But Apple Watch users will not be able to downgrade to watchOS 6 after this update. Apple has added new watch faces, sleep tracking, exercise modes in watchOS 7.

Apple Watch users who wish to try out watchOS 7 will have to get iOS 14 public beta installed on their iPhones first, and you can check out the steps here. watchOS 7 supports only Apple Watch Series 3 and above, so if you have the Series 1 or 2 you’re out of luck. Once you have all the necessary things done, head over to Apple’s public beta pages and select watchOS. Then follow the instructions to install the latest watchOS 7 public beta. Since it’s still in beta, some features on your Apple Watch and iPhone too will not work properly.

With watchOS 7, Apple is giving users more customisations with watch faces. Users can share them with friends and families, and even download custom layouts. There’s also a new Sleep app in watchOS 7 that enables sleep tracking. But it won’t be able to show different sleep cycles yet. The Activity app has also been updated on watchOS 7 to Fitness. It comes with calorie tracking for activities, and even dance workouts.

Apple has also added hand washing detection on watchOS 7. Apple Watch uses motion sensors, mic and machine learning to detect handwashing motions. It will even prompt you if you finish washing your hands in less than 20 seconds. Apple Watch will also remind users to wash their hands once they get home.

The stable versions of watchOS 7 and iOS 14 will be released later this fall. Apple is expected to roll them out by next month based on their regular schedule.