Apple has released the first public beta of the upcoming tvOS 17 update for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD. It adds Facetime, a redesigned control center, Memories screensaver, VPN, and more.

It is a beta so you may not want to install it on your main device but if you are eager to try the new features in tvOS 17 ahead of the final release this fall, it is now possible.

To get started you must sign up for Apple's public beta program here with the same Apple ID used on your Apple TV. After signing up, you will see a new 'Get Public Beta Updates' option in the settings menu under 'System'.


 The 6-row homescreen and the redesigned control center

Tweaked homescreen
The first thing you will notice in tvOS 17 is that the homescreen layout now has 6 apps per row instead of 5.

There are multiple new features including support for VPN apps although this still requires VPN providers to release apps – they are not available yet.

You can read more about the new features in tvOS 17 in our article here.

The final version of tvOS 17 will be released this September for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD.