Apple Releases First Beta of tvOS 9.1 - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Releases First Beta of tvOS 9.1

by

Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming update to tvOS, the new operating system that runs on the fourth-generation Apple TV. Today's tvOS beta marks the first software update to tvOS 9.0, a final version of which was released alongside the new Apple TV.

tvOS betas are not as easy to install as beta updates for iOS and OS X. The update will require the Apple TV to be connected to a computer with a USB-C to USB-A cable, with the software downloaded and installed via iTunes.

apple-tv-4th-gen
It is not yet clear what is included in the new version of tvOS, but Apple's release notes for the update include references to networking and scrolling tweaks and we will include any other external facing changes below.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Tag: tvOS 9.1
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

Popular Stories

General visionOS watchOS and tvOS Betas Feature Redux

Apple Releases Third watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5 and visionOS 26.5 Betas

Monday April 20, 2026 10:03 am PDT by
Apple today provided developers with the third betas of upcoming watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5 betas for testing purposes. The software comes a week after Apple released the second betas for each platform. The software updates are available through the Settings app on each device, and because these are developer betas, a free developer account is required. There's no word on ...
Read Full Article • 3 comments
apple tv peacock bundle

Apple TV and Peacock $20 Monthly Bundle Available on Amazon Prime Video, Offering a 30% Discount

Wednesday April 15, 2026 2:14 am PDT by
Apple and Amazon are partnering up for a $19.99/month streaming TV bundle that includes access to Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus. Available to customers in the U.S. for a limited time, the streaming bundle offers access to both services at a 30% discount, similar to the bundle that launched in October 2025. ‌Apple TV‌ is normally $12.99 per month, while Peacock starts at $16.99 for ...
Read Full Article • 20 comments
apple tv plus the savant

Apple TV Series 'The Savant' Set for July Premiere After Delay

Monday April 20, 2026 1:00 pm PDT by
Apple is finally planning to release The Savant, an Apple TV series that it delayed following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The Savant is set to air in July 2026, according to Variety. The Apple TV show was supposed to come out on Friday, September 26, 2025, but Apple decided not to release it due to the topic and the political climate. When the series was pulled, star Jessica...
Read Full Article • 20 comments

Top Rated Comments

R
RealKrS
137 months ago
Great, now let's update the Remote App please?!..
Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)
T
thomasdzubin
137 months ago
"The update will require the Apple TV to be connected to a computer with a USB-C to USB-A cable, with the software downloaded and installed via iTunes."

What am I, a caveman?
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
E
EsbenJohnson
137 months ago
This update will bring 4K, right?
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
K
koa
137 months ago
This update will bring 4K, right?
Yes. And it adds optical out also!
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
salohcin
137 months ago
With an update so soon, it sounds like they'll be releasing updates on a schedule similar to iOS (and starting with 9.0 would further this speculation). That's a great sign! And I'm sure one of the the updates – perhaps tvOS 10 – will include direct updates instead of requiring it to be done through a computer.

I'm pretty sure it's just the Beta that requires a computer to update. The full release will be able to be updated from the ATV just like with previous models/OSs.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dugbug Avatar
dugbug
137 months ago
(question regarding remote app)
What you need that for? The new Atv supports icloud Direct play over airplay. Means if you airplay Apple music from iPhone to Atv. Atv will play direct from Apple music not iPhone.
*cracks knuckles*

ok
1. Entering passwords (itunes purchases, changing game center accounts, etc). Passwords can be up to 40 chars long and very complex (if you are a good secure internet citizen). Even the silly "don't require a password every time" option times out after about a day and requires re-entry.

2. Privately enter parental controls PIN for purchasing stuff for kids or allowing play of a higher-than-approved movie or app. Right now they see what you do to unlock so everyone has to 'look the other way'.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments