Apple seeds seventh tvOS 17 developer beta

Apple has released its seventh developer beta of tvOS 17 for testing by beta participants.

Developers enrolled in the beta can acquire the latest builds via the Apple Developer Center, and by updating any Apple TV boxes already running the beta. Public beta versions of milestone releases usually arrive shortly after the developer counterparts, and the public can try them out via the Apple Beta Software Program when they become available.

The seventh beta replaces the sixth from August 15, which in turn took over from the fifth, released on August 8.

The new build is number 21J5347a, taking over from 21J5339b.

The biggest new feature of tvOS 17 is FaceTime, using Continuity Camera with a nearby iPhone to bring the communications service to the bigger screen. The iPhone supplies access to the camera and microphone, while the television offers the display and speakers.

Continuity Camera does a lot more in tvOS, such as creating a live video feed in the background in the new karaoke experience in Apple Music.

Control Center occupies less space than before, and it's more information-dense as well. There's new options for game controllers, accessibility settings, and other controls within the menu system.

A pair of new Aerial screensavers showing the Monument Valley and California's coastal redwoods are also included.

Other changes in tvOS 17 include customizable workout plans in Fitness Plus, VPN options, and locating a missing Apple TV remote using an iPhone.

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 andrew@AppleInsider.com.