You can now try Apple's upcoming system software on Apple TV and HomePod. Here is how to get the tvOS 16 public beta on your devices.
tvOS 16 will bring new features such as cross-device connectivity, improved multi-user support, Matter support, and improved game controller support (Nintendo Joy-Cons and other controllers) to Apple TV. More details can be found in our tvOS 16 article here.
It is not yet clear what tvOS 16 brings to HomePod mini.

tvOS 16's native video player now also supports optional playback speeds
Matter is the new connectivity standard for the smart home but it does not appear to be active in the current beta. It may show up in later betas that will install automatically on your device after you enroll to the public beta program.
The public beta is free but you cannot downgrade after installation so proceed with caution. FlatpanelsHD has not discovered any major bugs in tvOS 16 on Apple TV 4K 2021.
The final version of tvOS 16 will be released this fall.
How to install tvOS 16 on Apple TV
Follow the instructions below to install tvOS 16 on Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K:
Sign up for Apple's free public beta program here.
Go to Settings > Accounts. Under 'Apple ID' sign into at least one of the account options (iCloud, iTunes and App Store, or Game Center) with the same Apple ID that you used to register for the Apple Beta Software Program
Go to Settings -> System -> Software Updates and turn on 'Get Beta Updates'
Go to Settings -> System -> Software Updates and click 'Update Software'
Click 'Download and Install' |
How to install tvOS 16 on HomePod
Your iPhone or iPad must be running iOS or iPadOS 16 to install the tvOS 16 public beta on HomePod. The original HomePod is not supported.
From an iPhone or iPad go to Home app -> Home Settings -> Software Update -> HomePod Beta Updates and enroll in the public beta program
Your HomePod mini will automatically download the latest public beta if you have automatic updates enabled. Alternatively, go to Home app -> Home Settings -> Software Update |
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