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Apple trials tvOS 16 release candidate beta

Apple has provided developers the release candidate beta build of tvOS 16 to try out on their Apple TVs.

The newest builds of Apple's betas can be downloaded by developers enrolled in the beta-testing scheme via the Apple Developer Center, or as an over-the-air update for hardware already using earlier beta builds. A public beta version of the releases is expected to start arriving soon, and will be available through the Apple Beta Software Program website.

The seventh build the eighth replaces landed on August 23, while the sixth arrived onAugust 15. Apple started the beta process with the first issued after the watchOS 9 were introduced shortly after the WWDC keynote on June 6.

Final public versions of all of Apple's milestone operating systems are expected to be released by the fall.

The release candidate tvOS 16 beta is build number 20J373, replacing the seventh, build 20J5371a.

While Apple didn't mention tvOS 16 during WWDC, it turns out there are still a number of improvements to the operating system. Matter support for HomeKit, HDR 10+ format support, a new Remote Control app, Nintendo Switch controller support, and other UI refinements are on the way.

AppleInsider, and Apple itself, strongly recommends users avoid installing beta software on to "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the remote possibility of data loss or other issues. Instead, testers should install betas onto secondary or non-essential devices, and to make sure there are sufficient backups of important data before updating.

Find any changes in the new betas? Reach out to us on Twitter at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSU, or send Andrew an email at [email protected].