Apple distributes eighth tvOS 17 developer beta

Developers taking part in the beta can pick up the latest builds through the Apple Developer Center, or by updating any Apple TV boxes that are running the beta. Public beta versions of milestone releases generally arrive soon after the developer counterparts, and the public can sign up to test them via the Apple Beta Software Program when they become available.

The eighth beta replaces the seventh from August 22, which in turn took over from the sixth from August 15.

The new build is number 21J5353a, taking over from 21J5347a.

The main new feature of tvOS 17 is FaceTime, which uses Continuity Camera via a nearby iPhone to act as the camera and microphone, while the television is the display and provides sound.

Continuity Camera goes further in tvOS, including creating a live video feed in the background of the new karaoke experience in Apple Music.

Control Center takes up less space than before while also being more information-dense. New options for game controllers, accessibility settings, and other controls are present within the menu system.

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

Other tvOS 17 alterations 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 [email protected].