Apple Releases tvOS 17 With FaceTime for Apple TV, Revamped Control Center and More

Apple today released tvOS 17, the latest version of the tvOS operating system that runs on the Apple TV 4K models and the ‌Apple TV‌ HD.

tvos 17 facetime
tvOS 17, which arrives with build number 21J354, can be downloaded using the Settings app on the ‌Apple TV‌. Go to System > Software Update to get the new software. ‌Apple TV‌ owners who have automatic software updates activated will be upgraded to tvOS 17 automatically.

In tvOS 17, Apple has added a FaceTime app for ‌FaceTime‌ calls on a larger screen. The feature works through an iPhone or iPad running iOS 17/iPadOS 17, with the iOS device serving as the camera and the TV serving as the display. With a Split View option, you can place your ‌FaceTime‌ call on one side of the TV and a TV show or game on the other side for SharePlay experiences.

Apple Music Sing, the karaoke feature on the ‌Apple TV‌, can use the same Continuity Camera functionality to let you see yourself as you sing, complete with filters.

Apple redesigned Control Center to make it easier to get to key settings and information without having to open up the Settings app. Control Center also displays the system status, time, and the profile of the person signed in.

Second-generation Siri Remote owners can now use the ‌iPhone‌ to locate a lost remote, taking advantage of the Remote section of the ‌iPhone‌'s Control Center. There are a range of new aerial screen savers, along with screen savers based on the Memories section of the Photos app.

Other new features include Dolby Vision 8.1 support, an enhance dialogue option to make it easier to hear what's being said over music and effects, and support for third-party VPN apps. More on the new features in tvOS 17 can be found in our Apple TV roundup.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

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Top Rated Comments

sjsharksfan12 Avatar
24 months ago
First one that finished updating and it looks really nice. I like the extra space for 6 apps on the top shelf. Maybe they could have had a little more color but overall, I like it.

I like the Control Center. Thanks for giving us the time.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kurtfoster Avatar
24 months ago

Nope, not possible. Learn to live with it.
I think I’ll write a strongly worded email to Tim Cook. I’ll learn to live with it after I do that. ?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Ninja Dom Avatar
24 months ago

Not year yet. Uk 6.07?
Restart your Apple TV. I'm in the UK and it showed up after a restart.

FaceTime not available for Apple TV 4K Gen 1's?? :mad::mad::mad:
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JitteryJimmy Avatar
24 months ago

So wait let me get this straight, they're releasing iOS 17 for my Apple TV HD released in 2015 and yet my iPhone 8 Plus released in 2017 and my gf iPhone SE released in 2016 does not get an update?
Come on man!?
tvOS is a lot lighter weight than iOS.

I’m not complaining, my Apple TV has been the best investment in the past 8 years.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Fuzzball84 Avatar
24 months ago
This is pretty cool, but it would be nicer if they sold a webcam based on the same technology as they have in MacBooks etc and then it would just be there all the time ready for calls... and better put a privacy switch on it lol
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
damo767 Avatar
24 months ago
Any idea where I can get the iPhone mount shown in the promo photo?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)