Apple rolls out watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 Beta 5 with performance upgrades and new features. Learn what’s new and how to install them.

What’s New in watchOS 26 Beta 5?

watchOS 26 beta 5 continues building on Apple’s bold redesign with the Liquid Glass UI and intelligence-powered interactions. This latest update enhances responsiveness and reliability while refining features introduced in beta 4:

  • Workout Buddy Enhancements: More accurate AI recommendations and real-time encouragement make workouts smarter and more tailored.
  • Live Translation Now Faster: Beta 5 brings improved speed and accuracy for on-wrist translations.
  • Improved Notes Integration: Notes now support rich formatting synced from macOS and iOS.
  • Visual Tweaks: Subtle UI refinements in the Smart Stack and notification center align with the broader visionOS design language.

tvOS 26 Beta 5: More Seamless, More Fun

tvOS 26 beta 5 introduces performance upgrades and UI touch-ups, continuing the evolution of the Apple TV experience:

  • Karaoke Sync Fixes: Improved audio-video sync when using iPhone as a microphone with Apple Music Sing.
  • Faster Multi-User Switching: Profiles now switch faster with smarter content recommendations.
  • Expanded Aerial Views: New high-definition aerial screensavers include additional global landmarks.
  • Bug Fixes & UI Responsiveness: Navigating apps and menus feels noticeably snappier.

visionOS 26 Beta 5: Refining Spatial Computing

visionOS 26 beta 5 is all about smoothing the spatial experience while preparing for collaborative, immersive digital environments. New updates include:

  • Spatial Widgets Stability: Better widget anchoring and responsiveness in real-world environments.
  • Persona Improvements: Beta 5 introduces more natural facial animations and lighting realism.
  • Improved Shared Environments: Faster syncing and fewer latency issues when two Vision Pro users share the same space.

How to Download watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS Beta 5

You’ll need to be a registered Apple Developer to install beta 5. Follow the steps below for your respective devices:

For Apple Watch and Apple TV:

  1. Open Settings > General > Software Update
  2. Ensure your Apple ID is linked to a Developer account
  3. Choose the Developer Beta and tap Download and Install

For visionOS (Apple Vision Pro):

  1. Connect your Vision Pro to a Mac running the latest Xcode
  2. Make sure you’re signed in with your Apple Developer ID
  3. Check for updates within the Vision Pro settings and install

Final Thoughts

Apple’s beta 5 cycle continues to polish the experience across watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS ahead of their full releases this fall. With AI-powered features becoming smarter, spatial computing getting more immersive, and UI consistency across platforms, developers have plenty to test—and users have a lot to look forward to.

Categorized in:

Apple, Apple Watch, News, Tips & Tricks,

Last Update: August 5, 2025

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