Apple introduces fourth developer beta of tvOS 16.4

As part of the fourth round of developer testing, Apple has provided a fresh beta of tvOS 16.4 to try out.

Developers taking part in the beta can download the latest builds via the Apple Developer Center, or by updating hardware already running the beta operating systems. Public beta versions are usually provided a short time after the developer counterparts, and the public can try them out via the Apple Beta Software Program.

Apple rolled out the third round on March 7, which took over from the second from February 28. The first betas of iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, watchOS 9.4, tvOS 16.4, and HomePod software version 16.4 surfaced on February 16.

Starting with the current beta generation, users can no longer install profiles to control beta access. Apple has instead made it so that devices have to be registered to the Apple ID for beta updates to show up in Settings.

The new tvOS 16.4 build number is 20L5490a, up from 20L5480g.

Updates to tvOS are generally performance-related in nature, and can also fix bugs and improve security. So far, no notable feature changes in the tvOS betas have been uncovered.

Apple also released a new beta of HomePod software version 16.4. The HomePod software is based on tvOS so their release cycles often align.

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.

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].