tvOS 17: Launch date, options, and compatibility

Whereas Apple has regularly made enhancements to its tvOS platform, the final two years have seen comparatively minor updates. Fortunately, that’s not the case this time. The newest model of the Apple TV’s OS brings a number of new enhancements to the combination. Let’s soar in and focus on every thing we find out about tvOS 17, from options to compatibility and extra.

tvOS 17 launch date and identify

• tvOS 16: September 12, 2022
• tvOS15: September 20, 2021
• tvOS 14: September 16, 2020
• tvOS 13: September 24, 2019

Apple formally introduced tvOS 17 at WWDC 2023 this summer time. After a collection of beta updates, it lastly pushed out the tvOS 17 secure launch on September 18. To replace to the newest model of tvOS you’ll merely have to go to Settings > System > Software program Updates > Replace Software program. Subsequent you’ll click on on Obtain and Set up after which lastly Replace Now. 

tvOS 17.1 beta is now obtainable for builders

Whereas tvOS 17 hasn’t been out lengthy that’s not stopping Apple from making enhancements. The brand new tvOS 17.1 beta is on the market for testing. Whereas it’s design for builders, most people can get into the motion by signing up by way of the Apple Beta Software program Program. Whereas there’s no official changelog on what to anticipate, we think about it’s largely going to be bug fixes, minor characteristic updates, and something that didn’t fairly make the reduce in time for the iOS 17 secure launch.

Each iPadOS and iOS are inclined to get greater characteristic updates with every iteration, whereas tvOS retains issues a bit extra modest. For one factor, most of the new iOS 17 options don’t make a complete lot of sense on a TV. Due to this fact, tvOS updates are usually much less thrilling. Normally.

This 12 months is completely different, as we see a number of thrilling options heading to tvOS. Beneath, we focus on only a few of the largest adjustments heading our approach.

A model new Management Heart is making its option to tvOS 17. You’ll discover immediately that there are new tabs on the high. These mean you can shortly change a number of the working system’s key options. For instance, it’s a lot simpler to change Bluetooth gadgets than ever earlier than. There’s additionally an enormous energy button, a option to shortly toggle on Do Not Disturb, and extra. You may also shortly hop into the Dwelling tab, which helps you to management your numerous Homekit gadgets and see stay feeds from any safety cameras.

One other huge change has to do with profiles. Profile switching can also be sooner than ever. You simply have to get up Apple TV utilizing the distant app in your iPhone’s Management Heart. Doing so will instantly launch you into the suitable profile. Each consumer’s personalized profile settings will even be saved with tvOS 17.

There’s nothing extra handy than sitting in your huge, cozy sofa and making a video name, however for some purpose, Apple TV has by no means supported such a characteristic. This adjustments with the introduction of an official FaceTime app for Apple TV streaming bins. The brand new app allows you to begin calls both immediately from Apple TV or by transferring a name out of your iPhone or iPad over to the Apple TV.

Now I do know what you’re pondering: Apple TV doesn’t have a digital camera. To get round this, Apple will make the most of the cameras and microphones out of your iPhone or iPad utilizing the identical Continuity Digital camera characteristic beforehand launched for Apple’s laptops. Personally, I’d like to see a webcam accent so that you just don’t must whip out your cellphone or pill each time, but it surely’s nonetheless an enormous step ahead.

In the event you’re something like me, you lose your distant quite a bit. Actually, I’ve a Tile sticker on my distant for that purpose. For Apple TV homeowners, there’s now an official baked-in option to discover that lacking clicker: the Siri Distant Finder.

This replace works on any second-gen Siri Distant by launching the Apple TV distant inside the Management Heart in your iPhone. From there, you’ll discover a huge Finder button, and principally, you’ll get a radius as to the place the distant will likely be, after which it’s a must to transfer round and discover it.

It’s not as actual as a built-in chirping noise or utilizing an AirTag, but it surely’s nonetheless a welcome addition. It’s additionally seemingly that Apple might ultimately introduce a more moderen Siri distant that improves this performance additional.

A brand new Dialogue Enhancer makes it simpler to listen to dialogue

Once you’re watching a film, typically all of the background noise makes it virtually unimaginable to listen to what individuals are saying. We’ve all been there. As a substitute of cranking up the amount throughout instances of intense dialogue, Apple has a greater resolution.

Apple’s new Dialogue Enhancer separates dialogue from sound results, music, and different noise and brings it ahead to the middle channel to be able to enable you hear it higher. There’s a catch right here, although. You’ll want a second-generation HomePod because it received’t work with simply any TV or soundbar.

New screensavers and different tweaks

That’s not every thing. Listed here are only a few different tvOS 17 options you’ll be able to count on:

• Apple can also be introducing recollections as screensavers and new screensavers that characteristic slow-motion footage of rainforests and different locals.
• Apple TV will now work with third-party VPN apps.
• Apple Health+ is getting just a few enhancements, particularly with the massive display screen in thoughts, together with customized exercise schedules and extra.
• Dolby Imaginative and prescient 8.1 assist is coming as properly.
• Customers can now see themselves onscreen and add entertaining filters as they sing alongside to their favourite songs.

Though the Apple TV gadgets have been round for years, the change to tvOS got here in 2015. Since then, each tvOS-based Apple TV machine has totally supported each tvOS replace. Roughly eight years later, the identical holds true. Each machine launched after the Apple TV HD (2015) helps the OS 17 replace, which suggests each technology of the Apple TV 4K.