Apple’s October beta cycle continues with the release of the second public betas for watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and the HomePod 26.1 software update.
These builds arrive one day after developers received the same updates and bring stability improvements and groundwork for upcoming features.
watchOS 26.1 Public Beta 2
The Apple Watch is getting another round of refinements with watchOS 26.1 public beta 2. This update focuses mainly on performance tuning and compatibility improvements as Apple prepares for broader Apple Intelligence integration.
While no major new features have been spotted yet, this version could include optimizations related to battery life, syncing, and iOS 26.1 alignment. Beta testers can install it by opening the Watch app on iPhone, navigating to General > Software Update, and enabling Beta Updates.
tvOS 26.1 Public Beta 2
Apple TV 4K users enrolled in the public beta program can now download tvOS 26.1 public beta 2. Like previous releases, this build continues Apple’s focus on reliability and smoother performance.
There’s growing speculation that Apple is preparing a refreshed Apple TV 4K model, and tvOS 26.1 may be part of those preparations. To install, open Settings > System > Software Updates and toggle on Get Beta Updates.
HomePod Software 26.1 Public Beta 2
Apple’s latest HomePod software 26.1 public beta is now live as well. The update likely improves Siri responsiveness, audio handoff, and device reliability when connected with iOS 26.1 or tvOS 26.1.
HomePod beta updates are installed automatically for users enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program once their paired iPhone or iPad is running a compatible beta build.
In short: this wave of betas focuses on stability, Apple Intelligence groundwork, and performance tuning across devices. While the updates might not add new features just yet, they set the stage for bigger changes coming later this year.
Comments