What you need to know:
- tvOS 16 is compatible with Apple TV HD, Apple TV 4K, Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)
- There are two options for updating tvOS:
- By air
- Via USB-C
Amid the fanfare of other operating systems, tvOS has been snatched from the limelight. In fact, Apple didn’t even mention it at WWDC 22. But that won’t stop us from testing it, and if you’re interested too, follow this guide to install tvOS 16 Developer Beta 3 on your Apple TV.
Things to consider before installing the tvOS beta
Downloading and installing the tvOS beta is a bit more complicated than just clicking Download and Install.
- There are two options for updating tvOS:
- Wireless – Updates the operating system without affecting your TV configuration and applications.
- Via USB-C (4th generation Apple TV only) – Restores the device to factory settings.
- Apple TVs compatible with tvOS 16: Apple TVs released in Fall 2015 or later, including:
- Apple TV HD
- Apple TV 4K
- Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)
- Unlike other Apple devices, you cannot back up your Apple TV. So, click on the photo/screenshot of your TV configuration for safekeeping.
Note. Please be aware that beta versions may also contain bugs that interfere with the normal use of your device. Therefore, I highly recommend that you only download the tvOS 16 Developer Beta 3 if you need it for testing and software development. Wait until Apple releases the official version of the software for regular use.
How to Download tvOS 16 Developer Beta 3 Wirelessly
What you will need:
- Developer Profile
- Poppy
- Apple Configurator (latest version)
- Xcode (latest version)
- Apple TV and Mac must be on the same network
How to install tvOS 16:
- Go to developer.apple.com on your Mac.
- Click “Discover”and select tvOS.
- Log in with your developer username and password.
- Click the Download button to the right of the tvOS 16 Developer Beta 3 profile. Save it to your desktop.
- Download and install the Apple Configurator app from the Mac App Store.
- Connect your 4th generation or 4K Apple TV to AC power and the same wireless network as your Mac.
- Open the latest version of Xcode on your Mac.
- In the menu bar, click Window and select Devices and Simulators.
- Go to Settings on your Apple TV.
- Select Remotes and Devices.
- Select Remote Application and Devices.
- In Xcode on Mac, select your Apple TV as soon as it appears in the Discovered section.
- To link Xcode to your Apple TV, enter the code displayed on your TV.
- Once paired, open Apple Configurator on Mac. If this is your first time setting up your Apple TV, click Prepare and follow the on-screen instructions.
- If you’ve already set up your Apple TV and are now adding profiles, you’ll need to click Add → Profiles. Alternatively, you can drag the tvOS 16 configuration profile from your desktop to the Apple TV icon in Apple Configurator. This will set up the Apple TV for tvOS 16 Developer Beta 3.
Your Apple TV will then detect the new tvOS, download and install it like any other update.
Install the tvOS beta recovery image via USB-C.
If you have a 4th generation Apple TV, you can use another method to install tvOS 16 Developer Beta 3.
What you will need:
- Developer Profile
- Poppy
- USB-C cable.
How to install tvOS 16:
- Go to the developer download page on your Mac.
- Login to your developer profile → Discover → tvOS.
- Download the recovery image of the 4th generation tvOS software beta software for Apple TV.
- Connect your 4th generation Apple TV to your Mac with a USB-C cable and launch Finder.
- Select your Apple TV when it appears in the Finder.
- Press and hold the Option key and click the Restore Apple TV button in the Summary panel.
- Select the downloaded tvOS Software Beta Recovery Image and click Open to start the installation.
- Once the beta is installed, your device will restart and a network connection will be required to complete activation.
Signing…
If you decide to download tvOS 16, please share your experience with us. And if you find any bug or hidden feature, please share it so we can help you fix the bug and enjoy the new feature!