How to install tvOS 16.5 developer beta 4 on Apple TV

What you need to know:

• tvOS 16 is compatible with Apple TV HD, Apple TV 4K, Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)
• There are two options to update tvOS:
  • Over the air
  • Via USB-C

Amidst the fanfare of the other operating systems, the tvOS was snatched out of its limelight. In fact, Apple didn’t even mention it at WWDC 22. But that won’t stop us from testing it, and if you’re also interested, follow this guide to install the tvOS 16.5 developer beta 4 on your Apple TV.

• Things to note before installing tvOS beta 4
• How to install the tvOS 16.5 developer beta 4 over-the-air
• How to install the tvOS 16.5 developer beta 4 Via USB-C

Things to note before installing tvOS beta 2

Downloading and installing tvOS beta 4 is a bit more complicated than simply clicking download and install.

• There are two options to update tvOS:
  • Over the air – updates the operating system without affecting your TV configuration and apps unaffected.
  • Via USB-C (only for Apple TV 4th generation) – restores the device to its factory settings.
• Apple TV devices compatible with tvOS 16: Apple TV launched in the fall 2015 or later, including:
  • Apple TV HD
  • Apple TV 4K
  • Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)
• Unlike other Apple devices, you cannot back up your Apple TV. So, click a photo/screenshot of your TV configuration for safekeeping.

How to download tvOS 16.5 developer beta 4 over the air

What you’ll need:

• Developers profile
• Mac
• Apple Configurator (latest version)
• Xcode (latest version)
• Apple TV and Mac should be on the same network

How to install tvOS 16:

1. Go to developer.apple.com on your Mac.
2. Click Discover and select tvOS.
3. Log in with your developer username and password.
4. Click the Download button on the right of the tvOS 16.5 developer beta 4 profile. Save it to your Desktop.
5. Download and install the Apple Configurator app from the Mac App Store.
6. Connect your Apple TV 4th generation or 4K to AC power and the same wireless network as your Mac.
7. Open the latest version of Xcode on your Mac.
8. In the Menu bar, click Window and select Devices and Simulators.
9. Go to Settings on your Apple TV.
10. Select Remotes and Devices.
11. Select Remote App and Devices.
12. In Xcode on your Mac, select your Apple TV once it appears under Discovered.
13. To pair Xcode with your Apple TV, enter the code that appears on your TV.
14. Once paired, open Apple Configurator on your Mac.
    If it is your first time setting up Apple TV, click Prepare and follow on-screen instructions.
15. If you have already set up Apple TV and are now adding profiles, you need to click Add → Profiles.
    Alternatively, you can drag and drop the tvOS 16 Configuration Profile from your desktop to the Apple TV icon in Apple Configurator. This will configure Apple TV for tvOS 16.5 developer beta 4.

Your Apple TV will then detect the new tvOS and download and install it like any other update.

Install the tvOS beta 4 restore image over USB-C

If you own Apple TV 4th generation, you can use another method to install tvOS 16.5 developer beta 4.

What you’ll need:

• Developers profile
• Mac
• USB-C cable.

How to install tvOS 16:

1. Go to the developer’s download page on your Mac.
2. Log in with your developer’s profile → Discover → tvOS.
3. Download the tvOS beta 4 software restore image for Apple TV 4th generation.
4. Connect your Apple TV 4th generation to your Mac with a USB-C cable and launch Finder.
5. Select your Apple TV when it appears in the Finder.
6. Press and hold the Option key and click the Restore Apple TV button in the Summary panel.
7. Select the tvOS beta 4 software restore image you downloaded and click Open to start the installation.
8. Once the beta is installed, your device will reboot and need a network connection to complete activation.

Signing off…

If you’ve decided to download tvOS 16, share your experience with us. And if you discover some bug or hidden feature, share it across, so we can help you resolve the bug and enjoy the new feature!

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