Apple introduces sixth watchOS 9 developer beta

Apple has issued the sixth developer beta of watchOS 9, giving testers another build to check out.

The newest builds can be downloaded via the Apple Developer Center for those enrolled into the test program, or via an over-the-air update on devices running the beta software. Public betas typically arrive within a few days of the developer versions, via the Apple Beta Software Program website.

The sixth beta replaces the fifth, which shipped on August 8. Apple brought out the fourth beta build on July 28.

The third developer build of watchOS 9 arrived on July 6, the second appeared on June 22, while the first arrived within hours of the WWDC keynote on June 6.

Final public versions of the milestone operating systems are expected to be released by the fall.

The sixth build of watchOS 9's developer beta is 20R5353a, replacing the fifth, 20R5343e.

WatchOS 9 introduces a number of fitness updates, including extra views within the Workout app when you turn the Digital Crown. Heart Rate Zones, a new metric, will show the intensity level of a workout.

Health adds a Medications tracker, which can remind users to take them regularly. The Sleep app is updated with new metrics for REM, Core, and Deep sleep.

Two new watch faces join the collection, Metropolitan and Playtime, with the former offering customizable numbers while the other is animated whimsy. The Astronomy face has been remastered to include cloud data from Weather, and Portraits has been enhanced with improved depth effects and tinting.

AppleInsider, and Apple itself, strongly recommend users don't install the betas on to "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the remote possibility of data loss or other issues. Instead, testers should install betas onto secondary or non-essential devices, and to make sure there are sufficient backups of important data before updating.

Members of the public should stick to using the public beta releases, rather than using the developer versions.

Find any changes in the new betas? Reach out to us on Twitter at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSU, or send Andrew an email at andrew@AppleInsider.com.