Apple is set to unveil tvOS 17, the latest operating system for Apple TV and HomePod devices. After a couple of years of incremental updates, Apple has dedicated keynote time to showcase the upcoming features and improvements. Let’s delve into what we know about this highly anticipated update for Apple’s TV software.
Exciting Features in tvOS 17
Apple TV App and Enhanced FaceTime Experience: tvOS 17 introduces a brand new FaceTime experience, allowing seamless integration between Apple TV and iPhone cameras. Users can initiate FaceTime calls directly from their Apple TV and switch between devices effortlessly. The Continuity Camera feature leverages the iPhone or iPad’s camera and microphone to bring participants together on the TV screen. Additionally, popular video conferencing apps like Webex by Cisco and Zoom will soon be available on tvOS, enabling a wide range of communication capabilities.
Revamped Control Center and Profile Updates: While iOS 17 missed out on a redesigned Control Center, tvOS 17 embraces the change. The new Control Center streamlines functionality, displaying system status, current time, and active profiles. It simplifies tasks such as connecting Bluetooth devices and checking Home accessories. Moreover, fast Profile switching allows users to wake up their Apple TV using the remote app on their iPhone’s Control Center, automatically switching to the respective user’s profile, complete with personalized recommendations and recently watched shows.
Find My Siri Remote: Although the U1 chip is yet to be incorporated into the Siri Remote, users with second-generation models or later can track their remotes using the Find My app. Similar to finding AirPods, this feature relies on Bluetooth connectivity between the iPhone and the Siri Remote, utilizing a proximity sensor to determine their proximity to each other.
Additional Features for Apple TV and HomePod Models: tvOS 17 brings several enhancements, including the “Enhance Dialogue” feature, allowing Apple TV users to prioritize dialogues over background noise, improving the audio experience. Dolby Vision 8.1 support enhances the visual quality for Apple TV 4K users, offering a more cinematic experience with dynamic metadata. Apple Fitness+ receives enhancements like Custom Plans, Stacks, and Audio Focus, empowering users with personalized workout and meditation schedules, seamless back-to-back workout selection, and the ability to prioritize music or trainer voices. Moreover, developers can now create VPN apps for Apple TV, expanding its usability in enterprise and education settings.
Release Date and Beta Availability
Apple unveiled tvOS 17 at the WWDC 2023 keynote and released the first developer beta shortly after. A public beta is expected to be available in July, coinciding with the announcement of iPhone 15 in September. Last year, Apple also offered a public beta for HomePod owners, so a similar approach might be taken this year.
To access the tvOS 17 beta, users can enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program. The beta version is already accessible for Apple TV by navigating to Settings > System > Software Updates > Get Beta Updates > tvOS 17 Beta Developer.
Compatibility
tvOS 17 will support all Apple TV models since the 2015 HD version, including Apple TV HD (2015), Apple TV 4K (1st gen), Apple TV 4K (2nd gen), and Apple TV 4K (3rd gen). Additionally, HomePod (1st gen), HomePod mini, and HomePod 2 will be compatible with tvOS 17.
With tvOS 17, Apple is bringing exciting new features and improvements to its Apple TV and HomePod devices, enhancing the user experience and expanding functionality. Stay tuned for the public release and embrace the next generation of Apple’s TV software.
