There’s a good reason those of us who write about tech typically advise readers not to install beta software on their main devices: Betas are, by definition, unfinished software, and are intended for software testers to look for bugs, glitches, and anything else wrong with the update. That way, developers can fix those problems before seeding the software to its larger general user base.
Usually, the chances of catastrophic failure when installing a beta are slim: Most negative experiences with unfinished software, especially from established companies, tend to revolve around smaller, pain-in-the-ass glitches that disrupt typical use. However, a big beta disaster is always a possibility, as some Apple Watch users are now discovering.
watchOS 11.1 beta 3 is broken
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As reported by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, Apple pulled the latest beta for watchOS 11.1 on Wednesday, just hours after it initially seeded the beta to developers. Some Redditors on r/watchOSBeta complained of various Apple Watch issues following the install. Messages, for example, would load endlessly before crashing, while trying to access Privacy & Security settings had a similar effect. Worse of all, some watches would totally freeze up, even after rebooting, with no clear way to get watchOS working again.
Why watchOS betas are different (and dangerous)
Apple pulling the update means that no one else will be able to install the buggy beta. The company will no doubt isolate the problem, fix it, and rerelease the beta for anyone interested. However, I strongly discourage you from doing so. Apple Watch betas are riskier than most, because Apple does not offer you a way to downgrade to a previous OS if you change your mind after the fact. With other betas, like iOS or macOS, you can restore your device and reinstall the public version of the software, but not watchOS. Once that beta’s installed, it’s on there until Apple releases a new update.
What to do if watchOS 11.1 beta 3 broke your Apple Watch
If you installed this buggy beta on your Apple Watch and the device is freezing up, your only option is to take your device to an Apple Store or authorized Apple repair shop. While Apple hasn’t publicly recommended this course of action, according to 9to5Mac and comments on r/AppleWatch, Apple will send your watch out, remove the beta, reinstall the official watchOS, and ship it back.
Again, the watchOS beta is simply not worth it, unless you are a developer or have a spare Apple Watch on hand. If you’re a curious user with a one main watch, however, just wait for the official watchOS release.