Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming tvOS 12 update to its public beta testing group, giving non-developers a chance to try out the new software ahead of its fall public release.

The first beta of tvOS 12 available to public beta testers corresponds with the second tvOS 12 update made available to developers. Developers have had access to tvOS 12 since June 4, when Apple introduced new versions of tvOS, iOS, macOS, and watchOS at WWDC.

The tvOS 12 public beta can be obtained by going to the Settings app on the Apple TV and navigating to the Software Updates section under "System." "Get Public Beta Updates" will need to be toggled on, and once it is, the Apple TV will download the beta software.

apple tv tvos 12
tvOS 12 introduces long-awaited support for Dolby Atmos, and when tvOS 12 launches this fall, iTunes will be home to the largest collection of Dolby Atmos-supported movies. As with the launch of 4K HDR, previously purchased content will be upgraded to include Dolby Atmos on all supported titles at no cost.

tvOS 12 brings a new zero sign-on feature that's designed to let cable subscribers watch live channels and on-demand programs that they're entitled to through their cable subscription simply by being logged into their home internet networks. This is something that will be limited to Charter Spectrum users to begin with.

Other tvOS 12 features include autofill passwords from the iPhone to sign into Apple TV apps more quickly, and support for Home Control systems like Crestron and Savant, which will be able to be used to control the Apple TV. Apple also plans to make the Apple TV Remote a default option in Control Center on iOS devices, and there are new aerial screensavers created with help from the International Space Station.

tvOS 12 will see a public launch this fall, and until that time, will be limited to developers and public beta testers as Apple works out bugs and other kinks.

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

Top Rated Comments

benji888 Avatar
75 months ago
I do not know how many times I've seen Apple misquoted on this:
iTunes will be home to the largest collection of Dolby Atmos-supported movies, with Apple offering upgrades for all purchased iTunes content
APPLE 2018 WWDC KEYNOTE: "And this fall iTunes will be bringing you the largest collection of Atmos content anywhere, and just like with 4K HDR your iTunes libraries will be upgraded to include Dolby Atmos on all supported titles for free."

If a title in iTunes has a Dolby Atmos track available, it will be upgraded. Apple is most certainly NOT upgrading every single title w/Atmos! That would go beyond what the studios are doing and providing to iTunes. :rolleyes:
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cflasche Avatar
75 months ago
There is no Atmos on iTunes Movies yet!
Some say that, but its fake.
I have dev beta 2 and Atmos setup! Have jumanji, bladerunner and all other movies that should support Atmos. None have Atmos for now just PCM not bitstream.
Xbox, Blu-ray all have Atmos working at my cinema so no Apple TV is not updated with Atmos title yet
That's not true. They don't display Atmos by Dolby Vision at the title page, but once the movie is playing, I got my receiver showing its receiving an Atmos signal and it's playing Atmos.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thatJohann Avatar
75 months ago
I'd disagree, only because uninstalling / reverting back to a released version of the OS is much more difficult on AppleTV than on Mac or iPhone.
How hard is it to downgrade? I want to try atmos.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jclo Avatar
75 months ago
I do not know how many times I've seen Apple misquoted on this:

APPLE 2018 WWDC KEYNOTE: "And this fall iTunes will be bringing you the largest collection of Atmos content anywhere, and just like with 4K HDR your iTunes libraries will be upgraded to include Dolby Atmos on all supported titles for free."

If a title in iTunes has a Dolby Atmos track available, it will be upgraded. Apple is most certainly NOT upgrading every single title w/Atmos! That would go beyond what the studios are doing and providing to iTunes. :rolleyes:
Yes, I did not mean to imply it was all titles. I'll update the wording.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
oneMadRssn Avatar
75 months ago
tvOS seems like a safer thing to try an early beta version of compared to macOS and iOS.
I'd disagree, only because uninstalling / reverting back to a released version of the OS is much more difficult on AppleTV than on Mac or iPhone.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
shurcooL Avatar
75 months ago
Time to test out that Dolby Atmos support!

tvOS seems like a safer thing to try an early beta version of compared to macOS and iOS.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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