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How to Get watchOS 2 Beta on Your Apple Watch Right Now

Jun 9, 2015 12:41 AM
Jun 9, 2015 05:54 PM
Smartwatch user interface displaying various app icons.

Not to be outdone by the announcements of Mac OS X El Capitan and iOS 9, the Apple Watch is also getting a much needed software update. Some of the notable new features we can look forward to on watchOS 2 are Nightstand mode, additional screens for friends, email replies, and other improvements we probably should have already had.

A dog sitting in a colorful kiddie pool.

Photo watch face.

Shanghai skyline with clouds and a river, timestamp 10:21.

Time-lapse watch face.

Smartwatch displaying time and date on a wooden surface.

Nightstand Mode.

A dog sitting in a colorful kiddie pool.

Photo watch face.

Shanghai skyline with clouds and a river, timestamp 10:21.

Time-lapse watch face.

Smartwatch displaying time and date on a wooden surface.

Nightstand Mode.

While the general public may have to wait until Fall for the update to hit alongside iOS 9's release, if you're eager enough, you can get it on your Watch today. All you need to do is have iOS 9 installed.

Log in to the iOS Developer Program

In order to get your hands on the beta version, you'll need to be part of the iOS Developer Program, which costs $99/year. Alternatively, if you know someone already enrolled, they can add your device to their account.

iOS Developer Program promotion with subscription price.

Get Your iPhone's UDID

If your haven't registered your iPhone to the Apple Developer Program, you'll need to this first to get the watchOS 2 Beta.

To do that, you'll need to get the UDID of the device. Do this by connecting your iOS device to your computer, open iTunes and click on "Serial Number" underneath your phone number.

iPhone 6 specifications showing capacity, model, and serial number information.

The numbers will then change to display the UDID. Copy these down because you'll be using them in the registration step.

iPhone 6 storage information and software update settings

Register Your iPhone

Start by heading to the Certificates, Identifiers, & Profiles page and selecting "Devices" under the iOS Apps section. Using the addition sign, start registering your iPhone.

Table of iOS devices with an add icon in the top right corner.

Enter the UDID along with your name to complete the registration process.

Device registration form fields for name and Unique Device Identifier (UDID).

Download watchOS 2 Beta

Back on the Apple Developer page, select "Resources," then "watchOS."

Apple Developer Resources page showcasing tools for app development on Apple platforms including Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

On the next screen, click "Download" in the top right of the page.

Start developing for watchOS 2 with available resources.

Next, simply select "Download watchOS 2 beta Configuration Profile." Now that you have the download, email it to yourself. That's right, email it to the address you use on your iPhone. The file isn't too large, so it'll be sent quickly.

watchOS 2 beta configuration profile download page

Install the Configuration Profile

Now all you need to do is open the attachment within your email and select "Apple Watch."

How to Get watchOS 2 Beta on Your Apple Watch Right Now
Device selection screen for Apple Watch updates on a smartphone.
How to Get watchOS 2 Beta on Your Apple Watch Right Now
Device selection screen for Apple Watch updates on a smartphone.

Once you do, your device will be verified and the installation process will begin once you consent to the terms.

Profile installation screen for network settings on a mobile device.
How to Get watchOS 2 Beta on Your Apple Watch Right Now
Profile installation screen for network settings on a mobile device.
How to Get watchOS 2 Beta on Your Apple Watch Right Now

Your Apple Watch will restart and the update will begin, so keep the two devices in close proximity and keep an eye on the progress.

Update screen for watchOS 2 beta 1 showing progress and time remaining.

Install watchOS 2 Beta

After the configuration profile is installed, which may take a few minutes, you can then start installing the update. Keep the Watch on the charger and your iPhone nearby.

Apple Watch update installation instructions

Once the update is finished, play around with the new features, like the Photos and Photo Stream watch faces, the "Time Travel" function, the new "Night Stand Mode," and more.

Follow Apple Hacks over on Facebook and Twitter, or Gadget Hacks over on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter, for more Apple fun.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

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