You don’t need to wait until autumn to install the new tvOS 15 Public Beta features.
Although you may not often consider software that runs on Apple TV, Apple releases major updates every year. In the fall of 2021, Apple will launch tvOS 15, which brings some quality of life improvements to Apple TV: For example, you can finally use Face ID to log in to apps on your iPhone, not to mention Spatial Audio support. Works with AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, and supports SharePlay to watch movies and TV shows on FaceTime with your friends via iPhone.
If you don’t want to wait until autumn to try these features, please install the tvOS 15 Public Beta. However, since this is a beta version, it will not go completely smoothly because you may experience problems or crashes. Also, if something goes wrong, you cannot restore the latest Apple TV 4K model, so you will have to wait until the software update fixes the error.
You can restore the original version of Apple TV HD in 2015, which will be discussed in detail later.
Sound good? So let’s talk about installing tvOS 15 Public Beta on Apple TV.
How to download tvOS 15 Public Beta on your Apple TV
To access the public beta version of tvOS, you must sign up for Apple’s public beta program. After signing up, your Apple TV will be able to receive beta updates over the air. You don’t need to connect your Apple TV to your computer to do this, you just need to register your Apple ID in Apple’s public beta program.
Open Apple’s public beta program website on your computer, then click “Register”. Then log in with your Apple ID (the same Apple ID you use for Apple TV). Accept the terms and conditions to register for the program, that’s all you have to do on the website.
Now, switch to Apple TV. First, make sure you use the same Apple ID on Apple TV. To do this, open the “Settings” app and go to the “Accounts” section. From here, go to the “iCloud”, “iTunes and App Store” or “Game Center” section. Check if your Apple ID is the same and you can start using it.
Next, in the “Settings” application, go to “System”> “Software updates”, enable the option “Get public beta updates” and accept the terms and conditions.
After activation, your Apple TV will start receiving public beta updates for tvOS 15. To install the public beta version, go to “Settings”> “System”> “Software Update” and click the “Update Software” button. . In the pop-up window, select the “Download and install” option.
Now you can let your Apple TV do its thing. It will download, install, and restart your Apple TV. When done, you will be running tvOS 15.
Related: How to Access the Hidden Symbols on Your iPhone’s Keyboard
What are the new features in tvOS 15?
If you have AirPods and HomePod mini, the tvOS 15 update will improve your life. tvOS 15 finally supports Apple’s AirPods auto-connect feature (you will see a notification on the screen that can help you quickly connect to your AirPods). Additionally, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max will have access to Spatial Audio for an immersive listening experience in compatible apps. You will be able to use two HomePod minis in a stereo pair.
There is also native support for the SharePlay function. If you run iOS 15 on your iPhone and watch something with your friends on FaceTime, you can seamlessly move your media to Apple TV while continuing to call on your iPhone. Playback and media controls will remain in sync with the rest of the group call.
As we mentioned, you will be able to log into the application using Face ID on your iPhone (using iCloud Keychain).
How to restore your Apple TV
If you are having trouble using the tvOS public beta, you can try to restore your Apple TV HD (this does not apply to 4K models).
- Disconnect the HDMI cable and power cord from the Apple TV, and connect it to the Mac with a USBC cable (best if you are running macOS Catalina or later).
- Open Finder on your Mac, then select Apple TV in the sidebar. Here, select the “Restore” option.
- Follow the prompts to complete the restoration process.
If you use a Mac or PC with macOS Mojave or earlier to restore your Apple TV, you must use iTunes (here, select Apple TV from the source list).
Which devices are supported by tvOS 15 Public Beta?
tvOS 15 is compatible with all three main Apple TV models equipped with a Siri remote control (with touchpad). This is the list:
- Apple TV HD (2015)
- Apple TV 4K (2017)
- Apple TV 4K (2021)
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