If WWDC 2026 left you eager to try watchOS 27, the wait is already over. Apple has released the first developer beta, giving Apple Watch users an early look at the update months before its official rollout.

Of course, there’s a reason Apple labels it beta software. The first release can be unpredictable, and if you run into issues later, returning to an earlier watchOS version isn’t nearly as simple as it is on an iPhone or Mac.

Still want in? Here’s everything you need to know about installing watchOS 27 developer beta on your Apple Watch.

Things to know before installing watchOS 27 developer beta

Before you begin, keep the following requirements and limitations in mind:

Your Apple Watch must be compatible with watchOS 27.
The paired iPhone must be running iOS 27 developer Beta.
Some watchOS 27 features may require Apple Intelligence-compatible devices.
Your Apple Watch needs at least 50% battery.
The watch must be connected to its charger during installation.
Your iPhone should be connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
Once installed, watchOS beta software isn’t easy to remove or downgrade.

Apple Watch models compatible with watchOS 27

Apple has confirmed that watchOS 27 supports the following Apple Watch models:

Apple Watch SE (3rd generation)
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple Watch Series 11
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 3

How to install watchOS 27 developer beta

Before proceeding, ensure that the Apple Account on your paired iPhone is enrolled in the Apple Developer Program. You’ll also need to install iOS 27 Developer Beta on the paired iPhone, as watchOS 27 beta updates aren’t available on devices running a public version of iOS.

Once everything is set up, you’re ready to install the beta.

Now that your Apple Watch is eligible for beta updates, installing watchOS 27 Developer Beta is fairly straightforward. Here’s how:

Open the Watch app on the paired iPhone and ensure you are on the My Watch tab.
Here, tap General, followed by Software Update on the subsequent menu.
Now, tap Beta Updates, then choose watchOS 27 developer beta.
Next, tap the Download and Install button once the update becomes available.

watchOS 27 developer beta not showing up?

If you don’t see the watchOS 27 Developer Beta in the Software Update section, don’t panic. In most cases, one of the following requirements hasn’t been met yet:

iPhone is running iOS 27 Developer Beta
The same Apple Account is enrolled in the Apple Developer Program.
Apple Watch supports watchOS 27.
Both devices are connected to the internet.

Apple’s beta servers can also get overloaded shortly after a new release, so sometimes the simplest solution is to wait a while and try again later.

Can you remove watchOS 27 beta?

Unlike iOS and macOS betas, watchOS betas are difficult to remove once installed.

You can leave the beta program at any time and stop receiving future beta builds. However, the version already installed on your Apple Watch will stay there, as Apple doesn’t provide a user-facing option to revert to an earlier watchOS release.

Once the beta is on your watch, you’re essentially committed to it until Apple ships the stable update in the fall.

Should you install watchOS 27 developer beta?

As tempting as it is to install watchOS 27 right away, I’d recommend thinking twice before putting the first developer beta on your primary Apple Watch.

In my experience, early watchOS betas tend to be more unpredictable than iPhone betas. Bugs, battery drain, delayed notifications, and syncing issues aren’t unusual, and if something goes wrong, you can’t simply downgrade your Apple Watch at home.

Unless you’re eager to get your hands on a particular watchOS 27 feature, I’d give the beta a little time to mature before installing it on an Apple Watch you use every day.

Ready to test watchOS 27?

Installing watchOS 27 developer beta is the fastest way to try Apple’s newest Apple Watch features. Just remember that early beta software comes with trade-offs, and once it’s installed, returning to a stable version isn’t always simple.

If you’ve already installed watchOS 27, let us know your favorite new feature in the comments.

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