tvOS 17 beta is now available for download, and if you are eager to test it on your Apple TV right away, here's what you need to do.

Apple's tvOS 17 beta update is now live to test out - Download and install now on Apple TV 4K or HD without much effort

In a rather surprising move, Apple actually named and announced tvOS 17 properly at WWDC23. Not only that, it turned out to be a huge upgrade, too. With features such as FaceTime support, redesigned Control Center, and so much more, Apple made tvOS a lot nicer and more useful compared to before. Needless to say, Apple is, and will forever stay serious about the Apple TV and living room in general.

Anyway, if you're here and want to download and install tvOS 17 beta onto your Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD. The process is extremely simple, especially if you have the latest tvOS update installed. Therefore, we will highly recommend installing that update onto your Apple TV first and saving yourself from a lot of trouble.

You can install the latest tvOS 16 update by going to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software on your Apple TV's Home Screen. Once the installation is complete, read further for more details. Once the installation is complete, just follow the tutorial outlined below if you want to download and install the tvOS 17 beta update on your Apple TV.

Tutorial

If you want to download and install the developer update today, make sure you have signed up for the Apple Developer Program. Public beta testers need to sign up to the Beta Software Program.

Step 1. Turn on the Apple TV.

Step 2. Open Settings from the home screen.

Step 3. Scroll all the way down to System.

Step 4. Now open up Software Updates.

Step 5. You'll see an option here labeled 'Get Beta Updates.' Click to open.

Step 6. You'll be presented with an option to download and install either the developer beta or the public beta. If you're paying for the Apple Developer Program, then choose the developer option, as it will push the update to you immediately. Choose public, and the update will become available to you as soon as the public beta is out in a few weeks.

tvOS updates never used to be this exciting unless you're well invested in HomeKit. Unlike the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, the Apple TV is designed to be used with one app at a time. In most homes, that app usually ends up playing a video on YouTube or Netflix. So, if you're expecting something magical from tvOS, you shouldn't. But with tvOS 17, you'll instantly fall in love with the FaceTime app and how it simply uses your iPhone as a camera. I really didn't see this one coming at all!

Even behind the scenes, Apple pushes out changes that make sure your data is secured and access to your HomeKit accessories, including light bulbs, cameras, and more, remain solid when you're away from home. The last part matters a lot as your Apple TV will be used as a home hub for giving you access to your HomeKit devices when you're not at home. If that access is routed through a very old Apple TV running extremely old software, you'll absolutely feel it.