Apple today seeded the first beta of its upcoming watchOS 10.1 update to developers for testing. The new beta comes one week after watchOS 10 to the public.
To install the watchOS 10.1 beta, developers should open the Apple Watch app, go to the Software Update section under “General” in Settings, and toggle on the watchOS 10 Developer Beta. An Apple ID linked to a developer account is required.
After that, The watchOS 10 beta can be installed via the Watch app on the device’s attached iPhone. Go to “General” -> “Software Update” to install the beta. The Watch should have at least 50% battery life, be connected to a charger, and be within range of the iPhone.
The new beta brings the NameDrop feature to share contact information with another Apple Watch owner or with an iPhone.
The feature can be used by going into the Contacts app, selecting your profile, and then tapping on the “Share” option. You’ll then see an animation directing you to bring the Apple Watch next to another Apple Watch or next to the top of an iPhone to initiate the contact information transfer.
NameDrop is a subset of AirDrop, and it sends your Contact Poster, name, and phone number when used.
As usual, MacTrast and Apple both warn users to not install any betas on their daily driver Apple Watch, especially early versions of new operating systems. Instead, only install betas on a device set aside for testing purposes.