Apple Seeds Seventh Beta of Upcoming tvOS 13 Update to Developers [Update: Public Beta Available]

[MacRumors]

Apple today seeded seventh beta of an upcoming tvOS 13 update to developers, one week after seeding the sixth beta and two months after unveiling the tvOS 13 software at the Worldwide Developers Conference.

Designed for the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV, the new tvOS 13 developer beta can be downloaded onto the Apple TV via a profile that's installed using Xcode.

tvOS 13 introduces an updated Home screen aimed at making it easier to discover new content. Apps are now able to play full-screen video previews right on the Home screen, similar to Netflix.

Multi-user support is available for the first time, letting more than one profile exist on the Apple TV so each family member can have their own customized Apple TV interface with separate recommendations, music playlists, and Watch Now lists.

Switching between profiles can be done with the new Control Center, which offers up profiles, the time and date, search, a Now Playing widget, AirPlay controls, and a sleep option.

tvOS 13 gets the Apple TV ready for Apple Arcade, Apple's new gaming service that's coming to the Apple TV, iOS, iPadOS, and macOS later this year. Apple Arcade will offer unlimited access to more than 100 new and exclusive games, for one subscription fee.

As part of the Apple Arcade preparations, Apple has implemented support for the Xbox Wireless Bluetooth Controller and the PlayStation DualShock 4 Controller, both of which can be connected to an Apple TV over Bluetooth.

There are new under the sea themed screensavers created in partnership with the BBC Natural History Unit, which also created "Blue Planet." There's also a new Picture-in-Picture feature. Picture-in-Picture lets you continue to watch TV shows or movies while using a different app, adjusting settings, or otherwise navigating through the tvOS 13 operating system.

tvOS 13 is available to registered developers and public beta testers at this time and will see an official public launch this fall alongside iOS 13, iPadOS, macOS Catalina, and watchOS 6.

What's new in beta 7: In the new tvOS 13 beta, full screen trailers for movies and TV shows now play in the background of the Apple TV app. This was previously limited to Apple Music, but is a feature that was shown off at WWDC.

Article Link: Apple Seeds Seventh Beta of Upcoming tvOS 13 Update to Developers [Update: Public Beta Available]

 

[MrZippyUK]

Let’s hope they’ve actually made some improvements in this beta. User switching is just awful, regularly user images are initially missing when the user switcher is brought up, and switching account in music does nothing until you force quit and relaunch the app. Suspect TV could be the same but hate the TV app so much I can’t bring myself to launch it!

Don't get me started that user switching isn’t stated available to 3rd party apps. So I’m logged in as me on the ATV and Netflix shows play next for someone else as they’re not linked. Yes Netflix couldn’t offer this now as it’s a beta, but this isn’t a feature that will be available when released.

 

[Digital Dude]

EDITED: I have the beta on my Apple TV, but I wish I didn't. I learned the hard way not to use Apple beta software ever again. I became spoiled with 1Password beta updates 'and prior macOS betas that were more stable'. They never hosed my system like Apple's newer beta program. Now, if I had a MacPro with real separate hard drive options, then by all means.

 

[johnyslats]

Delete.

 

[Defender2010]

I have the beta on my Apple TV, but I wish I didn't. I learned the hard way not to use Apple beta software ever again. I became spoiled with 1Passord beta updates that never hosed my system like Apple. Now, if I had a MacPro with real separate had drive options, then by all means.

Care to explain? Haven’t had any issues on my Apple TV. A few stutters here and there in the first few betas but now it’s working great.

 

[Digital Dude]

Care to explain? Haven’t had any issues on my Apple TV. A few stutters here and there in the first few betas but now it’s working great.

Well, it appears that you answered your own question. I still have stutter issues and lock-ups, so I have to reboot to clear some of them. I don't have the 4K version, but still.

 

[Braderunner]

Care to explain? Haven’t had any issues on my Apple TV. A few stutters here and there in the first few betas but now it’s working great.

If you have to ask, you'll never know. But, for one thing, just skipping to the next song in Apple Music, using the ATV remote. Not the app. The app usually works. But, when the actual remote is sitting right next to you...it should be the best way...since you don't have to wake a device, or anything. But, no. The actual remote sucks for something so simple.
It's like, am I doing something wrong? Is there a trick that I don't know about?

 

[coolfactor]

There's a new Apple TV in my future after I donated my older one to my family.

September, bring it!

(do you think Apple will announce updated hardware?)

 

[mistafro]

Noticed less stuttering when moving between apps, feels a bit smoother for sure.

 

[Defender2010]

Well, it appears that you answered your own question. I still have stutter issues and lock-ups, so I have to reboot to clear some of them. I don't have the 4K version, but still.

I have a 4K version perhaps that’s why. Certainly nothing that bad that would urge me strongly enough to write I’m never using betas ‘ever again’. In my experience I view that as I slight overreaction but each to their own I guess.

 

[Defender2010]

If you have to ask, you'll never know. But, for one thing, just skipping to the next song in Apple Music, using the ATV remote. Not the app. The app usually works. But, when the actual remote is sitting right next to you...it should be the best way...since you don't have to wake a device, or anything. But, no. The actual remote sucks for something so simple.
It's like, am I doing something wrong? Is there a trick that I don't know about?

Actually I know what I know, I just wanted to hear what was wrong based on the post I quoted. What you’re describing is really not a “beta” issue which is what we’re discussing here.
Personally I use AirPlay 2 (controlled on my Apple Watch or iPhone/iPad) to control music from my Apple TV - on the very rare occasion I use it to play music. Normally it’s via HomePod. I can’t totally relate to your feature request but I see your point.

 

[Braderunner]

Actually I know what I know, I just wanted to hear what was wrong based on the post I quoted. What you’re describing is really not a “beta” issue which is what we’re discussing here.
Personally I use AirPlay 2 (controlled on my Apple Watch or iPhone/iPad) to control music from my Apple TV - on the very rare occasion I use it to play music. Normally it’s via HomePod. I can’t totally relate to your feature request but I see your point.

It actually is a beta issue as skipping forward or backwards in Apple Music requires a new action since the beta. What is the new action? That is what I would like to know.
Seriously, though...you should try it out. Play some music using Apple Music on the ATV. Then skip to the next song. Then ask yourself, "Is that reasonable"? "Is that acceptable"? "Is that like Apple"? Seriously. Just for giggles. I'm not trying to be a jerk. It's just ridiculous.

 

[Eorlas]

Don't get me started that user switching isn’t stated available to 3rd party apps.

New features during betas are not available to 3rd party apps. They're not allowed to update with new features until the first non-beta public release.

I have the beta on my Apple TV, but I wish I didn't. I learned the hard way not to use Apple beta software ever again. I became spoiled with 1Passord beta updates that never hosed my system like Apple. Now, if I had a MacPro with real separate had drive options, then by all means.

1Password's beta updates are for a single software, not an operating system. It's not a comparison worth making.

You setup a beta in a use-case that it is specifically not intended for, and warned against. I've been using it since b1, and it is admittedly janky, sometimes more so than others. The major playback issues from b1 & b3 or so are mostly resolved. I've noticed UI lag as a thing that maybe is resolved today, but I haven't had a chance to update yet. There was one beta that required doing a wipe of the system because the update kept failing.

But it's beta of an operating system, not your favorite password management program or web browser. It is never intended to be run on someone's daily driver aTV.

That being said, I hopped on it regardless because I wanted to try out dualshock 4 with Steam Link, and that did not disappoint.

 

[Kaibelf]

Well, it appears that you answered your own question. I still have stutter issues and lock-ups, so I have to reboot to clear some of them. I don't have the 4K version, but still.

But still what? What exactly did you expect from beta software? No issues?
[doublepost=1565902185][/doublepost]

New features during betas are not available to 3rd party apps. They're not allowed to update with new features until the first non-beta public release.

You know, I never actually knew that restriction was in place. That explains why whenever a new iOS X.0 update goes public, I have like 20-30 app updates immediately afterward.

 

[neander]

Up Next on the main interface, Home Screen was one of the best things about Apple TV.. and they've taken it away and replaced it with their own stuff, at least give us an option! Not brought it back in any Beta, its buried in the TV app now, dissapointed. I know they want you to go in there though..

 

[Eorlas]

You know, I never actually knew that restriction was in place. That explains why whenever a new iOS X.0 update goes public, I have like 20-30 app updates immediately afterward.

And I'm sure they mostly do it to prevent encouragement of people to jump on beta software, even if it is the public beta.

As an aside, it's why I have low tolerance for apps that take months to update post iOS public release, as there were already months in anticipation of the live release itself to prepare an app update.

 

[zantafio]

Asphalt 8 finally works again! yay!
[doublepost=1565916567][/doublepost]They still have not fixed the problem of the audio going out of sync when you switch audio out to the homepods!!

 

[Kardinal1911]

Care to explain? Haven’t had any issues on my Apple TV. A few stutters here and there in the first few betas but now it’s working great.

TVOS BETA has been a nightmare for my 4K this one seems to have smoothed things out a lot more

 

[MrZippyUK]

Deleted.

 

[Eorlas]

Deleted.

Probably for the best.

And as an aside to everyone else, I noticed the UI lag is significantly reduced with this beta. Still (obviously) not recommending this for anyone's aTV daily driver, but if you're really wanting to hop on board with new features, this would not be a bad time to start.

 

[AllergyDoc]

TVOS BETA has been a nightmare for my 4K this one seems to have smoothed things out a lot more

My Apple TV 4K bricked on the last beta. Apple said it had to be returned so they could load the software on it again. Incredible. I took it back to Costco and got another one.

 

[MrZippyUK]

I am assuming they’re leaving the tvOS until last as when actual new functionality like user switching still doesn’t work correctly it seems a poor show. Especially when release notes don’t mention it!

 

[Eorlas]

actual new functionality

choice of bluetooth controller is certainly not actual i guess

 

[LittleByrdEee]

I would like to say the Boomerang app no longer works. Only issue I have encountered in Beta 7.

Apple today seeded seventh beta of an upcoming tvOS 13 update to developers, one week after seeding the sixth beta and two months after unveiling the tvOS 13 software at the Worldwide Developers Conference.

Designed for the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV, the new tvOS 13 developer beta can be downloaded onto the Apple TV via a profile that's installed using Xcode.

tvOS 13 introduces an updated Home screen aimed at making it easier to discover new content. Apps are now able to play full-screen video previews right on the Home screen, similar to Netflix.

Multi-user support is available for the first time, letting more than one profile exist on the Apple TV so each family member can have their own customized Apple TV interface with separate recommendations, music playlists, and Watch Now lists.

Switching between profiles can be done with the new Control Center, which offers up profiles, the time and date, search, a Now Playing widget, AirPlay controls, and a sleep option.

tvOS 13 gets the Apple TV ready for Apple Arcade, Apple's new gaming service that's coming to the Apple TV, iOS, iPadOS, and macOS later this year. Apple Arcade will offer unlimited access to more than 100 new and exclusive games, for one subscription fee.

As part of the Apple Arcade preparations, Apple has implemented support for the Xbox Wireless Bluetooth Controller and the PlayStation DualShock 4 Controller, both of which can be connected to an Apple TV over Bluetooth.

There are new under the sea themed screensavers created in partnership with the BBC Natural History Unit, which also created "Blue Planet." There's also a new Picture-in-Picture feature. Picture-in-Picture lets you continue to watch TV shows or movies while using a different app, adjusting settings, or otherwise navigating through the tvOS 13 operating system.

tvOS 13 is available to registered developers and public beta testers at this time and will see an official public launch this fall alongside iOS 13, iPadOS, macOS Catalina, and watchOS 6.

What's new in beta 7: In the new tvOS 13 beta, full screen trailers for movies and TV shows now play in the background of the Apple TV app. This was previously limited to Apple Music, but is a feature that was shown off at WWDC.

Article Link: Apple Seeds Seventh Beta of Upcoming tvOS 13 Update to Developers [Update: Public Beta Available]

 

[JMAndiSmith]

Apple today seeded seventh beta of an upcoming tvOS 13 update to developers, one week after seeding the sixth beta and two months after unveiling the tvOS 13 software at the Worldwide Developers Conference.

Designed for the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV, the new tvOS 13 developer beta can be downloaded onto the Apple TV via a profile that's installed using Xcode.

tvOS 13 introduces an updated Home screen aimed at making it easier to discover new content. Apps are now able to play full-screen video previews right on the Home screen, similar to Netflix.

Multi-user support is available for the first time, letting more than one profile exist on the Apple TV so each family member can have their own customized Apple TV interface with separate recommendations, music playlists, and Watch Now lists.

Switching between profiles can be done with the new Control Center, which offers up profiles, the time and date, search, a Now Playing widget, AirPlay controls, and a sleep option.

tvOS 13 gets the Apple TV ready for Apple Arcade, Apple's new gaming service that's coming to the Apple TV, iOS, iPadOS, and macOS later this year. Apple Arcade will offer unlimited access to more than 100 new and exclusive games, for one subscription fee.

As part of the Apple Arcade preparations, Apple has implemented support for the Xbox Wireless Bluetooth Controller and the PlayStation DualShock 4 Controller, both of which can be connected to an Apple TV over Bluetooth.

There are new under the sea themed screensavers created in partnership with the BBC Natural History Unit, which also created "Blue Planet." There's also a new Picture-in-Picture feature. Picture-in-Picture lets you continue to watch TV shows or movies while using a different app, adjusting settings, or otherwise navigating through the tvOS 13 operating system.

tvOS 13 is available to registered developers and public beta testers at this time and will see an official public launch this fall alongside iOS 13, iPadOS, macOS Catalina, and watchOS 6.

What's new in beta 7: In the new tvOS 13 beta, full screen trailers for movies and TV shows now play in the background of the Apple TV app. This was previously limited to Apple Music, but is a feature that was shown off at WWDC.

Article Link: Apple Seeds Seventh Beta of Upcoming tvOS 13 Update to Developers [Update: Public Beta Available]

I am not crazy about the user profiles. For years I bought all the movies in my profile, not my kids. Now if they want to gain access to the movies they have to do this silly workaround (which I have to do). I find it easier to just let my kids watch movies and TV shows on my profile.

solution: make all libraries available in the TV app library section.