Apple Seeds watchOS 26 RC to Developers [Download]

Apple has seeded the first release candidate of watchOS 26 to developers for testing. The build number is 23R351.

watchOS 26 offers a beautiful new look and even more intelligence for a more personalized experience, to support you in staying active, healthy, and connected. Health innovation goes even further with hypertension notifications and sleep score. In fitness, watchOS 26 uses the power of Apple Intelligence and brings you Workout Buddy, a generative voice that provides personalized motivation. A new design with Liquid Glass makes features like the Smart Stack, Control Center, the Photos watch face, and in-app navigation and controls more expressive, while maintaining the instant familiarity of watchOS. Plus, watchOS 26 makes everyday interactions even more convenient with Smart Stack hints and updates to Messages, like Live Translation with Apple Intelligence.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit:
https://support.apple.com/100100


You can learn more about what's new in watchOS 26 here:
● watchOS 26 Release Notes

You can learn more about what's new in watchOS 26 here:
● Apple Announces watchOS 26 With Workout Buddy, Liquid Glass Design, and Smart Stack Hints

Check if your watch is compatible here:
● watchOS 26 Supported Devices: The Full List of Compatible Apple Watches

For devices running watchOS 9.5 or later, from your iPhone go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and choose the Developer beta to install this software. Before testing your software on your device, make sure to enable Developer Mode in Settings > Privacy & Security.


To update to the latest beta version of watchOS, use the Watch app on iPhone to update the software. Apple will release watchOS 26 on September 15, 2025.

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