Apple releases first public betas of tvOS 17 and watchOS 10

Following the release of public betas for iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma, Apple has now added tvOS 17 and watchOS 10 to the testing program.

The forthcoming operating systems from Apple are set to introduce a range of exciting features, elevating the user experience across diverse applications. Those interested in obtaining the latest operating systems can access them through the Apple Beta Software Program, enabling them to explore the new enhancements.

The first public beta for tvOS 17 has a build number of 21J5303h and the build number for watchOS 10 is 21R5305e. Apple released the first public betas for iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma on July 12.

tvOS 17

FaceTime

• Apple TV now integrates with the iPhone camera through the Continuity Camera feature on tvOS 17, bringing the FaceTime app to the set-top box.
• In 2023, video conferencing apps like Cisco's Webex and Zoom will be introduced on tvOS, enabling Apple TV 4K users to access their communication features directly.

Control Center and Profiles

• With the introduction of tvOS 17, the Control Center undergoes a significant overhaul, prioritizing enhanced user convenience.
• By implementing fast Profile switching, users can wake up the Apple TV using the remote app in the iPhone's Control Center, automatically transitioning to their respective profiles.
• With the arrival of tvOS 17, customized settings for profiles are now stored individually for each user.

Find My Siri Remote

• You can locate second-generation or newer models of the Siri Remote using the Find My app.

General Features

• Enhance Dialogue: This capability allows Apple TV users to enhance the clarity of dialogue in movies or TV shows on Apple TV 4K when paired with HomePod (2nd generation).
• Dolby Vision 8.1 support: Apple TV 4K users can now enjoy an enhanced cinematic visual experience across a wider selection of movies and TV shows, thanks to the inclusion of dynamic metadata.
• Apple Fitness+: These additions encompass Custom Plans, a novel approach for Fitness+ users to receive personalized workout or meditation schedules tailored to specific days, durations, workout types, and more. Stacks enable users to select and perform multiple consecutive workouts and meditations effortlessly. Audio Focus also empowers users to prioritize the music volume or the trainers' voices according to their preference.
• Third-party VPN apps support: This empowers developers to build VPN apps specifically designed for Apple TV, which can be advantageous for enterprise and education users seeking access to content on their private networks.

The Apple TV models that will support tvOS 17 include Apple TV HD (2015) and all three generations of Apple TV 4K.

watchOS 10

Watch Faces

• Snoopy and Woodstock: These characters will respond to the weather conditions and even engage in physical activities alongside you.
• Palette: This functionality enables you to perceive time as a spectrum of exquisite colors that transition dynamically throughout the day.

Cycling

• Bluetooth Accessories: The watch will seamlessly establish connections with Bluetooth-enabled accessories, integrating cadence, speed, and power data into your Workout View automatically.
• Power Zones Workout View: Upon detecting a power meter, the Apple Watch will estimate your Functional Threshold Power and display the corresponding performance zone, aiding in the enhancement of your overall performance.
• Optimized Metrics for iPhone: Initiate a cycling workout from your Apple Watch, and it will automatically appear as a Live Activity on your iPhone.

Hiking

• Compass App: This application now incorporates a three-dimensional perspective of your past locations through Elevation View, as well as estimates the locations of your last cellular reception using Cellular Connectivity Waypoints.
• Trail Information: You can search for and explore significant information about nearby trails located in the United States.
• Topographic Maps: Embark on an exploration of mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers across the United States, featuring detailed information such as trails, contour lines, elevation data, and notable points of interest.

Mental Health

• Mood Logging: Browse captivating visuals to assist you in choosing and recording your current emotions and daily mood effectively.
• Insights: Within the Health app on your iPhone or iPad, observe the potential connections between your mental state and lifestyle factors, such as exposure to daylight, sleep duration, exercise, and moments of mindfulness.

Vision Health

• Reducing the Risk of Nearsightedness: The Apple Watch's ambient light sensor can now measure daylight duration. With Family Setup, parents can monitor this information, even if their child doesn't possess an iPhone.

Apple Fitness+

• Custom Plans: Choose your individual workout preferences, and Fitness+ will generate a personalized plan to help you stay focused and motivated. The Stacks feature allows you to combine multiple workouts and meditations effortlessly, enabling a smooth transition to your next activity.

All Apple Watch models supporting watchOS 9 are compatible with watchOS 10, including the Apple Watch Series 4 and later, Apple Watch Ultra, and Apple Watch SE (both generations).