Apple has issued its fourth developer beta build for tvOS 17, as the beta testing cycle marches on for the fall releases.
Developers taking part in the beta can get the latest builds via the Apple Developer Center, and by updating hardware already running the betas. Public beta versions of milestone releases generally appear some time after the developer counterparts, and the public can try them out via the Apple Beta Software Program when they become available.
The fourth beta update replaces the third, which was originally provided on July 5 and followed by an updated build on July 11. Apple seeded the second on June 21, and the first from June 5.
The new build is number 21J5318f taking over from, 21J5303h.
The big new feature of tvOS 17 is FaceTime, with the Apple TV using Continuity Camera on an iPhone to bring the video call service to the set-top box. Instead of using a mobile device for a video call, you can view contacts on a TV, using the iPhone camera used as your webcam.
Continuity Camera support also works for other features, including the new karaoke experience in Apple Music that displays a live video feed as a background under the lyrics.
Control Center consumes less space and is a lot more information-dense, with it including new options for game controllers, accessibility settings, and other controls. A pair of Aerial screensavers showing the Monument Valley and California’s coastal redwoods have been added.
Other changes in tvOS 17 include Fitness Plus customizable workout plans, VPN options, and the ability to locate a missing Apple TV remote using an iPhone.
AppleInsider and Apple strongly advise users don’t install beta operating systems, or beta software in general, on to “mission-critical” or primary devices, as there is the chance of issues that could result in the loss of data. Testers should instead use secondary or non-essential hardware and ensure they have sufficient backups of their critical data at all times.
