Apple distributes seventh watchOS 10 developer beta

Apple has seeded the seventh developer build of watchOS 10 for testing, with the fall launches getting ever nearer.

Developers participating in the beta program can acquire the newest versions via the Apple Developer Center or by updating their devices with the beta software. Public beta versions are usually available a short time after the developer releases through the Apple Beta Software Program.

The seventh build is number 21R5349b, replacing the sixth, 21R5341c.

The seventh takes over from the sixth, which was introduced on August 15, while the fifth appeared on August 8. The first appeared on June 5 following the WWDC keynote.

The updates to watchOS 10 start off with faces and widgets, with a Smart Stack summoned by the Digital Crown displaying widgets and other useful information. The Digital Crown can also bring up the Control Center, in a change of its previous functionality.

There are new Palette and Peanuts watch faces, meanwhile Apple's core apps are refreshed to offer more glanceable information and to consume more of the display space. For a more cohesive experience, Apple has provided the design language it uses to developers of third-party apps.

Cyclists can also see new views to monitor their cadence, speed, and power during a trip. A new Live Activity can be expanded full-screen on the iPhone display to show more cycling data.

Hiking workouts include views for important safety waypoints, such as the Last Cellular Connection Waypoint and the Last Emergency Call Waypoint. There are also Elevation Views, Topographic Maps, and trail searches.

AppleInsider and Apple strongly suggest users don't install beta operating systems or other beta software on "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the small chance of issues that could result in the loss of data. Testers should instead use secondary or non-essential hardware and ensure they have sufficient backups of their critical data at all times.

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.