Apple has started rolling out the first developer betas for watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, and visionOS 26.3, just days after releasing the 26.2 updates for each platform. These early builds are aimed at developers, giving them a chance to test and optimize their apps ahead of the public release.
How to Install the Developer Betas
If you’re a registered developer, you can download the betas directly on your device via the Settings app:
- watchOS 26.3: Open the Watch app on your iPhone > General > Software Update > Install Beta.
- tvOS 26.3: Settings > System > Software Updates > Check for Update > Install Beta.
- visionOS 26.3: Requires a developer account and the headset’s software update system.
Remember to back up your devices before installing beta software, as developer betas can be unstable and may cause app or system crashes.
What’s New?
Apple hasn’t shared detailed release notes for these betas, so it’s unclear what new features or improvements are included. Historically, early beta releases focus on bug fixes, performance improvements, and groundwork for upcoming features.
watchOS 26.3 and tvOS 26.3 betas are expected to be made available to public beta testers later this week, while visionOS 26.3 will remain limited to developers for now. Based on previous release patterns, the stable public versions of these updates could arrive by the end of January.
We’ll be keeping an eye on these betas and will share any interesting new features or changes as they’re discovered.
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