Apple has opened the public beta program for tvOS 27, watchOS 27 and HomePod Software 27, giving Apple TV, Apple Watch and HomePod users an early look at features due this fall. These public builds mirror the third developer betas released last week and are available now to anyone enrolled in Apple’s beta program.
How to join and install the betas
Sign up at Apple’s public beta website, enroll each device, then download the updates through the Settings app on Apple TV, Apple Watch (via the paired iPhone) and HomePod. Back up devices before installing beta software and expect occasional bugs or instability—public betas are useful for testers but not recommended for critical day-to-day devices.
watchOS 27: Siri AI and on‑wrist intelligence
watchOS 27 brings Siri AI to the wrist for users with a compatible iPhone. Siri can access personal data, answer broader queries and perform tasks directly from the watch. A dedicated Siri app appears prominently in the new dynamic app grid accessed via the Digital Crown, putting conversational assistance front and center.
Smart Stack and widgets gain new controls, including a gesture for selecting items and contextual suggestions—like finding a parked car, pulling up transit passes or reminding you of birthdays. Fitness features are refined: Workout Buddy can operate without an iPhone nearby, treadmill run and walk distances are tracked more accurately, and the Find My experience is consolidated into a single app with support for Precision Finding.
tvOS 27: media improvements and speed boosts
On Apple TV, tvOS 27 updates the Podcasts app and introduces Hi‑Res Lossless audio playback and AutoMix song transitions in Apple Music. Profile switching is simplified, and system-level performance enhancements make apps launch faster, animations feel snappier and AirPlay connections quicker and more reliable.
HomePod Software 27: parity and polish
HomePod and HomePod mini users can also access a HomePod Software 27 beta. The update aligns the speaker experience with platform changes in tvOS and watchOS, improving audio features and connectivity ahead of the public releases.
What testers should know
These public betas are intended for users who want early access and are comfortable troubleshooting occasional issues. Because today’s builds match the third developer betas, developers and public testers will see the same feature set. Install on secondary devices when possible and report bugs through Apple’s feedback channels to help refine the final releases.
Expectations before the fall launch
Over the coming weeks Apple will refine these builds toward a polished fall rollout. For users eager to try Siri AI on the wrist, Hi‑Res Lossless on Apple TV or the HomePod tweaks, this beta window is the first practical preview—just proceed with the usual beta precautions and keep backups handy.
