You can go right ahead and download the new watchOS 26.1 developer beta 2 on your Apple Watch.
watchOS 26.1 Beta 2 Now Available for Download on Apple Watch with Bug Fixes and Other Improvements
Apple has just released the second developer beta of watchOS 26.1 for Apple Watch. Those who have been testing the first beta for a couple of weeks can go right ahead and update to the new build.
In order to do that, place your Apple Watch on its charger first. Make sure your iPhone and Apple Watch both are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Once that is done, go to Watch > General > Software Update on your iPhone. Tap on Download and Install when the new update shows up.
Apple says the new watchOS 26.1 update has the following build number: 23S5017d
Apple Watch updates do take a while to download and install, and there’s nothing you can do to speed the process up. If it’s the middle of the day, it’s best that you update to watchOS 26.1 before going to bed so that you wake up to a fresh new software update tomorrow.
watchOS 26.1 is available for public beta testers as well, and you’ll find all the details about it posted here. Do keep in mind that once you upgrade to watchOS 26.1, you cannot downgrade back to the public software channel.
