Apple releases fourth tvOS 16 beta for developer testing

Apple has provided developer beta testers a new fourth build of tvOS 16 to try out on the Apple TV.

The newest builds can be downloaded from the Apple Developer Center for those enrolled in the Developer Beta program, as well as via an over-the-air update for devices already using beta software.

Public beta versions of the developer builds are usually issued shortly after the developer versions, but typically not after the initial few builds of the initial milestone betas. When they do, they can be acquired from the Apple Beta Software Program website.

The fourth beta for HomePod Software Version 16 has also been released to members of the closed AppleSeed testing program.

Apple's third beta of tvOS 16 was distributed to testers on July 6. The second beta landed on June 22, while the first appeared after the watchOS 9 were introduced shortly after the WWDC keynote on June 6. Final public versions of all of Apple's milestone operating systems are expected to be released by the fall.

The fourth tvOS 16 and HomePod Software Version 16 beta is build number 20J5328g, up from the second build, number 20J5319h.

While Apple didn't directly reference tvOS 16 during WWDC, it still does have a number of improvements. This includes Matter support for HomeKit, support for the latest HDR 10+ format, a new Remote Control app, Nintendo Switch controller support, and other UI refinements.

AppleInsider, and Apple itself, strongly recommend users don't install the betas on to "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the remote possibility of data loss or other issues. Instead, testers should install betas onto secondary or non-essential devices, and to make sure there are sufficient backups of important data before updating.

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].