iOS 12 has been around for a few months now. The new MacOS Mojave is also finally out. And so the same can be said of Watch 5. All of Apple's machined operating systems that introduce a number of useful and perhaps even innovative features. A good way to respect the brand, considering that every mobile, Mac and Smartwatch costs its hefty price.
But what happens when we want to get these things up front? In that case, we need to remember a few rules before we start trying to install an early version (otherwise known as Beta) on our devices:
- A Beta version is equivalent to providing our mobile phone, watch or PC as a guinea pig to test the new functions programmed by Apple. It is a slightly more stable branch than that offered for other users (from Apple developers to those for their own Apps) but there is always something to choose with caution. Some programs may stop working, but you may also find cool features ahead of time.
- When you switch from the Stable version (the one that is normally provided) to the Beta, the data can end up being erased, so it is always a good precaution to create a backup.
- Same goes when you want to switch from Beta to Stable. Once you start activating the Beta branch, your Apple product will not automatically switch to other versions. Rather it will always remain in beta. Switching from this version to the other may result in the deletion of all data.
- Some older models cannot access beta versions however, especially if the operating system itself is not intended for the device. For example, WatchOS 5 is not planned for the first Apple Watch. Therefore, do not use this method to get more advanced versions of your operating system if you have an older product available.
- To get Beta versions, you need a developer account. This will cost around 99 euros a year.
Now that we have left these premises, let's start talking about how can we get a beta version of WatchOS on our Smartwatch. At the moment WatchOS 5 is out but we can still access the next versions directly in the beta phase, even if there will be no big differences (they are always updated versions of the 5, it is not for example WatchOS 6).
If you still want to install a beta version of WatchOS, keep in mind that you must also install an iOS beta version on your iPhone (and therefore you must also have an iPhone to connect to your Smartwatch).
Then go to the site reserved for Apple developers (https://developer.apple.com/) and log in with the ID connected to your mobile phone. Then look inside the section dedicated to the WatchOS and look for the choice that indicates the download of the Beta profile on your Smartwatch. When prompted for the installation device, choose your iPhone (the download is not directed to the clock).
You will be prompted for your device password. Enter it and confirm. If you are asked to restart from your mobile, please confirm. Otherwise, restart your iPhone after a few minutes.
Once the iPhone has restarted, an update for your WatchOS will appear through the App you use to connect with or communicate with the watch. Confirm the update and let both devices work. After a few minutes you will have WatchOS Beta available for your Apple Watch.
In the end, is it worth it? It depends on many cases. The subscription of almost 100 euros per year may seem a bit too much for a simple user. However, if you are a developer or manage an environment where testing or informing yourself about the very first Apple functions is almost an obligation… then perhaps it may be worth it. As already mentioned at the moment the next Beta versions will focus on the WatchOS 5… and maybe it is worth more remembering this procedure when it starts to come out on 6!
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