Apple Seeds watchOS 4 Golden Master to Developers - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Seeds watchOS 4 Golden Master to Developers

Apple today seeded the golden master (GM version) of watchOS 4 to developers following a beta testing period that saw the company release a total of eight betas. The golden master version of watchOS 4 represents the version of the software that will be released to the public on Tuesday, September 19.

Once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Apple Developer Center, the new watchOS 4 golden master can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General --> Software update.

To install the update, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it must be placed on the charger, and it has to be in range of the iPhone.


watchOS 4 brings three new watch faces, including a dedicated Siri watch face that displays dynamic information unique to each individual user. There are new complications for Now Playing and Apple News, and an enhanced Workout app that supports High Intensity Interval Training and new swimming options.

GymKit, new in watchOS 4, lets the Apple Watch interface with gym equipment for workout data sharing purposes, and the Activity app has been updated to provide intelligent coaching, monthly activity challenges, and tailored workout encouragement.

Starting a workout is faster than ever with a new Quickstart interface, there's a new look for Apple Music, and with under-the-hood improvements, third-party apps are faster than ever and can do more.

Apple plans to release watchOS 4 to the public on Tuesday, September 19, three days ahead of when the new Apple Watch Series 3 will be available to consumers.

For more on what's new in watchOS 4, make sure to check out our watchOS 4 roundup.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11

Popular Stories

airpods pro 3 pink

EU Drops Battery Removal Requirement for Apple Watch and AirPods

Wednesday July 15, 2026 7:02 am PDT by
The European Commission yesterday adopted new exemptions to its Batteries Regulation that free the Apple Watch and AirPods from having to offer user-removable and replaceable batteries. The EU's Batteries Regulation generally requires consumer products sold in the region to let users swap out their own batteries, a push meant to keep devices in use longer and make it easier to recover...
Apple Watch Series 10 Jet Black Touch ID

Apple Watch Series 12 Launching in September With These New Features

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00 pm PDT by
With the Apple Watch Series 12 now just two months away, we have created a recap of rumored new features, with some more likely than others. Below, we have outlined everything rumored so far for the Apple Watch Series 12. More Likely New Chip After One-Year Hiatus While the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 all contain the same S10 chip as the previous...
apple watch rescue

Apple Shares Apple Watch SOS Success Story

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:26 am PDT by
Apple today highlighted the SOS feature in the Apple Watch, publishing a short video featuring a man named Phil, who crashed while mountain biking. Phil was biking with his two young children when he had an accident and was knocked unconscious. His Apple Watch detected the fall, calling emergency services and alerting his wife. He ended up breaking his collarbone and seven ribs, but was...

Top Rated Comments

BaggieBoy Avatar
116 months ago
Is this not a public beta?
There isn't (and probably never will be) a public beta for watchOS.

If you are not a developer, you will have to wait until the official release.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
116 months ago
Just installed the GM. I'm not seeing the new HR monitor functionality nor am I seeing the red arms on the faces (assuming this is for LTE only).

Has anyone on WatchOS 4 been able to get the watch to sync to fitness equipment yet?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
realpras Avatar
116 months ago
Yup I've had the beta profile installed for weeks, updated my phone to GM but I can't see any update past OS 3 on the watch.
same here, just updated to iOS 11 with no problem but no watchOS 4 for me.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
midkay Avatar
116 months ago
The heart rate capabilities were the best part. I liked the in depth Monitoring aspect.
Agree, really looking forward to having this kind of unique data the watch collects better exposed and proactively monitored. A great idea.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
116 months ago
The heart rate capabilities were the best part. I liked the in depth Monitoring aspect.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)