Apple Releases Third tvOS 18.1 and HomePod Software 18.1 Public Betas

[MacRumors]

Apple today released new public betas of tvOS 18.1 and HomePod Software 18.1, allowing non-developers to test the software ahead of when it is released later in October. The third betas come a week after the second betas.

Public beta testers who have signed up for Apple's public beta program can download tvOS 18.1 by opting in to beta updates through the Settings app on the Apple TV. HomePod software can be downloaded through the Home app on the iPhone. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of the app, choose Home Settings, and then select Software Update.

tvOS software releases are usually minor in scale compared to other operating system updates, focusing primarily on smaller improvements rather than outward-facing changes. We don't know what's included in tvOS 18.1.

The HomePod and HomePod mini's software is also based on tvOS 18.1, and there is no word on what's in those updates either.

While we don't always know what's new in these betas, we let MacRumors readers know when the updates are available so those who want to update to the latest beta can do so.

Article Link: Apple Releases Third tvOS 18.1 and HomePod Software 18.1 Public Betas

 

[rotvaldi]

And 18.1 beta 6?

 

[Macaholic868]

That means the iOS and iPadOS 18.1 betas are up next…

 

[mohkg]

18.1 b6??

 

[imlynxy]

What about ApplePhone 18.1 db6?

 

[Aquamite]

Does this fix the breaking of the Dolby 5.1 output?

 

[scrapesleon]

my HomePod still on 17

 

[Rychiar]

what does one even test on a HomePod beta? HomePod software is a bug filled mess as always I'm sure. few products give me ore headaches

 

[chickeneaster]

It’s crazy that they haven’t released iOS 18.1 beta 6! I’ve never seen them release the betas for all the softwares except for the iPhone’s! It probably has something to do with Apple Intelligence

 

[mjs916]

what does one even test on a HomePod beta?

I suppose responsiveness to voice requests and features that historically only worked some of the time for many users.

The main issues I’ve had with HomePod and HPmini are linking all devices occasionally (checking off the speaker will get a loading wheel and then go back to being unchecked), asking it to ping my iPhone, and the occasional delay in response before failing. If those would work 99% of the time I’d be happy.

 

[Getabeard80]

Finally the Atmos reversed channel issue is fixed!!!!!!

 

[yeah]

It’s crazy that they haven’t released iOS 18.1 beta 6! I’ve never seen them release the betas for all the softwares except for the iPhone’s! It probably has something to do with Apple Intelligence

Probably busy working on the iOS 18 update required for their high-end M4 iPads.

Honestly this is getting ridiculous!

 

[nunolikeapple]

we need ios 18.0.1 update! 🤦‍♂️

 

[212rikanmofo]

hard to trust anyone these days, who knows what Apple could be adding or modifying in these updates. More ways to spy on us, track us probably.

 

[Rychiar]

I suppose responsiveness to voice requests and features that historically only worked some of the time for many users.

The main issues I’ve had with HomePod and HPmini are linking all devices occasionally (checking off the speaker will get a loading wheel and then go back to being unchecked), asking it to ping my iPhone, and the occasional delay in response before failing. If those would work 99% of the time I’d be happy.

this happens all the time for me and some devices will never join the others. like my Mac mini and studio display has to join airplay first if I want any of the other speakers to work with it. if I start playing on another speaker I cannot add the Mac mini later. it will just spin and then fail

 

[wlev]

I really hope this fixes the bug that keeps my only current-software Apple TV from updating "Up Next" after programs are viewed. Only after that is fixed will I'll install the new OS on my other two Apple TVs.

 

[victorvictoria]

You download the beta. Let me know who it went.

 

[DocMultimedia]

Really don't care about the update of tvOS. I just want an updated Apple TV.

 

[WesFL]

Hopefully it fixes the VPN issue when you disconnect it still shows connected. IOS 18 on the phone has the same problem.

 

[edge261]

Finally the Atmos reversed channel issue is fixed!!!!!!

What was happening with Atmos? I’m not aware and I’d like to know 👀

 

[bebarhood]

Any sign of Snoopy?

 

[MisterBlueSky]

unexpected behavior since tvos18 upgrade...

• account reconfiguration... why?
• HomePod disconnect ... why?
• Subscription gone... why ?

 is the techgiant that cannot see its own feet anymore.

You might also quote Eminem here.

 

[Vistaus]

Finally the Atmos reversed channel issue is fixed!!!!!!

For me it made it worse.

 

[neotint]

Hopefully it fixes issues w/YouTube app.

Also still wish they fixed voice command in search, the UX is horrible: you speak a search, let go of the button and it erases your query. You tap the voice button and it launches a TV OS search, not the search UI of the app you are in. It's like humans don't QA anymore, how else could such basic UX bugs persist for so long?

 

[mjs916]

Hopefully it fixes issues w/YouTube app.

Also still wish they fixed voice command in search, the UX is horrible: you speak a search, let go of the button and it erases your query. You tap the voice button and it launches a TV OS search, not the search UI of the app you are in. It's like humans don't QA anymore, how else could such basic UX bugs persist for so long?

I’ve experienced both of these.

I don’t know why it sometimes erases the query when letting go of the button. Is that YouTube or the Apple TV? Only happens to me in YouTube.

As for the voice button, yes, it activates Siri for systemwide search unless you are on that top line in the app. Could definitely be improved.