Developer release candidates for tvOS 16.4 & watchOS 9.4 are out

Round 5 of betas

Apple has released the release candidates for watchOS 9.4 and tvOS 16.4 as it winds down testing the new updates with developers.

Developers can download the release candidate builds from the Apple Developer Center webpage or update hardware that is already running a beta operating system. Beta software for the public will soon follow the developer version, which people can access via the Apple Beta Software Program or by updating their beta devices.

Apple seeded the fourth betas on March 14, following the third on March 7, the second version on February 28, and the first update on February 16.

The new build number for the tvOS 16.4 beta is 20L497, up from 20L5490a, while the watchOS 9.4 version is 20T253, up from 20T5249a.

So far, new features include new emoji, a renewed attempt for the HomeKit architecture, and Mastodon rich link previews in iMessage.

AppleInsider and Apple strongly suggest users don't install beta operating systems or other beta software on "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the small 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].