Apple TV has begun beta testing of its tvOS 17 update and it’s available to try out now. You need to be a member of the Apple Beta Software Program to test out the upgrade and can sign up with your Apple ID and password to participate in this and future beta testing rollouts. The Beta Software Program gives you early access to upcoming features and lets you provide feedback to help make Apple updates even better.
If you’re in the program, you can download the new tvOS 17 update in the settings app on your Apple TV. From there, go to System, select Software Updates, and then turn on Get Public Beta Updates.
The tvOS 17 update lets you sync your iPhone or iPad to your Apple TV to display FaceTime calls and easily lets you switch between devices. The feature lets you split your screen so you can watch Apple TV+ videos or play games while on a call. Apple tvOS 17 adds some flare to video calls by activating 3D augmented reality effects with hand gestures.
You can also add images from your Photos app to create personalized screen savers and home screens. The upgrade even lets you customize what people see when you call them. You can also record and leave audio messages as well as send and receive live transcripts of voicemails.
The update makes audio crisper on both ends of the calls by reducing background noise. Feel free to move around the room using the Center Stage feature which lets you wander while appearing still and stabilized on video calls, as reported by Macrumors. Apple included another nifty feature for people who can’t ever seem to find their remote control. The Apple TV can help you find second-generation Siri remotes.
The Apple TV tvOS 17 update will officially launch in September.