Apple Seeds First Beta of tvOS 11 to Public Beta Testers

Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming tvOS 11 update to its public beta testing group, marking the first time public beta testers have had access to tvOS betas. Previously, public betas were limited to iOS and macOS software likely due to the slightly more complicated tvOS beta installation process, but now public beta testers can access all software platforms with the exception of watchOS.

The first beta of tvOS 11 available to public beta testers corresponds with the second tvOS 11 update made available to developers. Developers have had access to tvOS 11 since June 5, when Apple introduced new versions of tvOS, iOS, macOS, and watchOS at WWDC.

tvos 11 beta
tvOS 11 can be downloaded by connecting an Apple TV to a computer with a USB-C cable and installing the beta software using iTunes. After the proper profile is added to the Apple TV, subsequent betas will be available over-the-air.

Compared to iOS 11, macOS High Sierra, and watchOS 4, tvOS 11 is a relatively minor update that brings few changes to the tvOS operating system. In fact, it received no time on stage at the Worldwide Developers Conference aside from a mention of an Amazon Prime Video app coming to the Apple TV this fall.

According to Apple's release notes, tvOS 11 introduces automatic light/dark appearance switching based on local time, Home screen syncing options for syncing content between two or more Apple TVs in a household, new background modes and notification support, plus new tools for developers and improvements to Mobile Device Management.

Additional tvOS 11 features may be unveiled ahead of the operating system's public release, which is expected in the fall alongside other software updates.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Caution)

Top Rated Comments

Chupa Chupa Avatar
89 months ago
Just an FYI - DirecTV Now was quiting on launch in earlier betas. I don't think the issue has been fixed so if you use DTV Now something to consider before dipping your toe in here.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rictus007 Avatar
89 months ago
I needed to logout with my apple ID and then login in order to make it work.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Hoosier317 Avatar
89 months ago
Just an FYI - DirecTV Now was quiting on launch in earlier betas. I don't think the issue has been fixed so if you use DTV Now something to consider before dipping your toe in here.
I have been on dev beta 2 (where DirecTV Now has not been working). It just installed a new update...no idea what it is. It’s still not working with this app. FYI.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
takasugi Avatar
89 months ago
No cable required - just needed to turn on GET PUBLIC BETA UPDATES under Software Updates.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
H3LL5P4WN Avatar
89 months ago
Just an FYI - DirecTV Now was quiting on launch in earlier betas. I don't think the issue has been fixed so if you use DTV Now something to consider before dipping your toe in here.
I have been on dev beta 2 (where DirecTV Now has not been working). It just installed a new update...no idea what it is. It’s still not working with this app. FYI.
Thanks for the heads up. That's a non-starter for me. Which sucks, because that would mean I could finally set my bedroom ATV up to match the living room (aside from me just being lazy).
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kuropju Avatar
89 months ago
Updating went fine. Leave me and my new Control Center alone :D I like the new Safari scrolling too.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Delta Feature

Delta Game Emulator Now Available From App Store on iPhone

Wednesday April 17, 2024 9:58 am PDT by
Game emulator apps have come and gone since Apple announced App Store support for them on April 5, but now popular game emulator Delta from developer Riley Testut is available for download. Testut is known as the developer behind GBA4iOS, an open-source emulator that was available for a brief time more than a decade ago. GBA4iOS led to Delta, an emulator that has been available outside of...
iPhone 15 Pro Action Button Translate

All iPhone 16 Models to Feature Action Button, But Usefulness Debated

Tuesday April 16, 2024 6:54 am PDT by
Last September, Apple's iPhone 15 Pro models debuted with a new customizable Action button, offering faster access to a handful of functions, as well as the ability to assign Shortcuts. Apple is poised to include the feature on all upcoming iPhone 16 models, so we asked iPhone 15 Pro users what their experience has been with the additional button so far. The Action button replaces the switch ...
Provenance Emulator

PlayStation, GameCube, Wii, and SEGA Emulator for iPhone and Apple TV Coming to App Store

Friday April 19, 2024 8:29 am PDT by
The lead developer of the multi-emulator app Provenance has told iMore that his team is working towards releasing the app on the App Store, but he did not provide a timeframe. Provenance is a frontend for many existing emulators, and it would allow iPhone and Apple TV users to emulate games released for a wide variety of classic game consoles, including the original PlayStation, GameCube, Wii,...
maxresdefault

Hands-On With the New App Store Delta Game Emulator

Wednesday April 17, 2024 12:19 pm PDT by
A decade ago, developer Riley Testut released the GBA4iOS emulator for iOS, and since it was against the rules at the time, Apple put a stop to downloads. Emulators have been a violation of the App Store rules for years, but that changed on April 5 when Apple suddenly reversed course and said that it was allowing retro game emulators on the App Store. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel ...
iOS NES Emulator Bimmy Feature

NES Emulator for iPhone and iPad Now Available on App Store [Removed]

Tuesday April 16, 2024 11:33 am PDT by
The first approved Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) emulator for the iPhone and iPad was made available on the App Store today following Apple's rule change. The emulator is called Bimmy, and it was developed by Tom Salvo. On the App Store, Bimmy is described as a tool for testing and playing public domain/"homebrew" games created for the NES, but the app allows you to load ROMs for any...