Categories: Computer

tvOS 16 Beta 4 released

Last Updated: July 28th, 2022

tvOS 16 Beta 4 for the Developer Beta program has just been released, and the tvOS 16 Public Beta 2 is likely soon on the way. For all the latest info on both, read on!

tvOS 16 Developer Beta 4 release date

The tvOS 16 Developer Beta 4 release date was on July 27, 2022, meaning you can now download and install the update for your Apple TV device.

tvOS 16 Public Beta 2 release date prediction

The tvOS 16 Public Beta release date has not yet been officially announced, however tech commentators like yer boy Brandon Butch are predicting a July 28 – 29, 2022 release date for the main iOS 16 Public Beta 2, which will almost certainly coincide with the release of the tvOS 16 Public Beta 2 as well.

tvOS 16 Beta release date roadmap

Here’s a handy rundown of all the important dates so far in the tvOS 16 beta release history, including the tvOS 16 Developer beta release dates and tvOS 16 Public beta release dates. The dates so far have exactly matched those of the iOS 16 beta and iPadOS 16, so we can assume any future beta releases will also match.

tvOS 16 Developer Beta 1 release date: June 6th, 2022
tvOS 16 Developer Beta 2 release date: June 22nd, 2022
tvOS 16 Developer Beta 3 release date: July 6th, 2022
tvOS 16 Public Beta release date: July 11th, 2022
tvOS 16 Developer Beta 4 release date: July 27th, 2022
tvOS 16 Public Beta 2 release date: TBC
tvOS 16 Developer Beta 5 release date: TBC

tvOS 16 Beta 4 changes, Developer build 20J5344f

The main changes in the latest tvOS 16 Beta are as follows (though various other smaller changes are listed in the release notes):

HDR10+: The latest version of HDR (High Dynamic Range) tech is now supported, meaning even better contrast, inkier black, and brighter whites in the content that supports it.
Nintendo Switch controllers compatibility: tvOS 16 will support Nintendo Switch controllers (i.e. the Joy-Cons and also Pro Controller) and some other Bluetooth and USB game controllers besides.
new Apple Fitness+ features: Intensity Metrics can now be set to call out and will appear on the screen for motivation whilst you’re exercising, including: Easy, Moderate, Hard, and All Out.

tvOS 16 Developer Beta 4 release notes

For a more detailed look at all the tvOS 16 Beta 4 changes, have a look at the tvOS 16 Beta 4 release notes on the Apple Developer site.

tvOS 16 Beta 4 compatibility

tvOS 16 is only compatible with 4th and 5th gen Apple TVs.

If you have an Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K model from these generations then the latest OS should work on them, anything earlier will be incompatible.

Should I install tvOS 16 Beta 4?

All Beta programs are inherently unstable, so you should definitely think twice before installing tvOS 16 Beta if you’re concerned about it messing up your TV.

Installing the tvOS Beta also has the added consideration that, unlike the iPhone or iPad, you can’t back up your settings on Apple TV. So make sure you at least take a photo/screenshot of your settings so you remember how to reconfigure them afterwards!