tvOS 16 is Apple’s innovative operating system for Apple TV, designed to give users a personalized and immersive entertainment experience. The platform offers unparalleled control, customization, and content discovery, offering a captivating blend of simplicity, elegance, and functionality. With features like a refreshed user interface, robust app ecosystem, and intuitive Siri integration, tvOS 16 ushers in a new era of television for all types of users.
In this blog post, learn about the new features, functionality, and improvements of the highly anticipated tvOS 16 update, which takes the Apple TV experience to new heights. This comprehensive update opens up new possibilities for content exploration, management, and enjoyment with a focus on user security and privacy. Also, find out what errors it contains and how to fix them.
What is tvOS 16?
tvOS 16 is an operating system developed by Apple specifically for its Apple TV devices. It is a version of tvOS software that gives users a different interface and compatibility with apps on Apple TV streaming devices, including Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K.
The tvOS 16 update includes new features such as an improved Siri experience, enhancements to existing apps, and various under-the-hood optimizations to ensure a smooth and seamless user experience.
tvOS 16.6 Beta 2 Update
Apple’s tvOS 16.6 Beta 2 was released on May 31, 2023, with build number 20M5538d. This update brings a number of enhancements to the platform. It has made it easy to manage all the mainstream streaming apps by providing a seamless user experience across different platforms. Additionally, it includes AV1 support for YouTube, which enriches the experience of watching content on this popular platform. One of the notable improvements in this update is the enhancement of Siri’s ability to search for entertainment content from the web, making it more useful and versatile for users.
| Build Name | tvOS 16.6 Beta 2 |
| Build Number | 20M5538d |
| Release Date | 31st May 2023 |
| Features | 1. Easy management of all mainstream streaming apps 2. Includes AV1 support for YouTube 3. Enhance Siri’s ability to search for entertainment content from the web |
tvOS 16.5 Update
Apple introduced Public tvOS 16.5 on May 18, 2023, greatly enhancing the user experience on Apple TV. With build number 20L563, this software update brings a number of important bug fixes and improvements. More importantly, tvOS 16.5 introduces two major features. One allows a shared administrator in your home to pair and add Matter-compatible accessories, streamlining the smart home experience. The second feature, called multiview, offers the ability to watch up to four sports streams simultaneously for supported content, taking the user’s multimedia experience to a whole new level.
| Build Name | tvOS 16.5 |
| Build Number | 20L563 |
| Release Date | 18th May |
| Features | 1) Shared Administrator 2) Multiview |
tvOS 16.5 RC Update
Apple unveiled tvOS 16.5 RC on 9th May 2023, which brings a lot of improvements to Apple TV users. With build number 20L562, this update comes with significant internal bug fixes and improvements. Moreover, a standout feature in tvOS 16.5 RC enables shared home administrators to seamlessly pair and integrate Mate-compatible accessories. This addition empowers users with a more integrated and convenient smart home experience.
| Build Name | tvOS 16.5 RC |
| Build Number | 20L562 |
| Release Date | 9th May |
| Features | 1) Internal bug fixes and improvements 2) A shared administrator in a household can now pair and integrate Matter-compatible accessories. |
tvOS 16.5 Beta 4 Update
Apple released tvOS 16.5 Beta 4 on 2nd May, an exciting new update for Apple TV users. With build number 20L5559a, this update brings an impressive new feature. Now, Apple TV users can watch up to four streams simultaneously, making multitasking and content consumption more versatile and enjoyable than ever before.
| Build Name | tvOS 16.5 beta 4 |
| Build Number | 20L5559a |
| Release Date | 2nd May |
| Features | Four streams can be viewed simultaneously |
tvOS 16.3.3 Update
Apple recently rolled out the tvOS 16.3.3 update for Apple TV users, bringing much-needed improvements and bug fixes. With build number 20K680, this update comes with fixes for particularly frustrating Siri Remote connectivity issues that many users experienced after updating to tvOS 16.3.2.
| Build Name | tvOS 16.3.3 |
| Build Number | 20K680 |
| Release Date | 6th March |
| Bug Fix | Siri Remote can become unresponsive on Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) |
How to fix Siri Remote not responding with Apple TV
The most recent update resolves the issue where the Siri Remote was not working correctly on the Apple TV 4K. If you haven’t received the update yet, you can still fix the remote issue by following two methods:
- By using your iPhone or iPad as a remote, and
- By restarting the Siri Remote.
Alternative Remote for Apple TV
If your Siri remote is unresponsive, you can use your iPhone or iPad as a remote for your Apple TV by accessing the Control Center. This option works with any Apple TV model. Additionally, using your mobile device can provide a better typing experience for any extensive typing needs.
Also, if you have saved a password for a site in your password manager, you can access it easily when using your mobile device as a remote.
How to Restart Siri Remote
To restart your Siri Remote, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the TV button and the Volume Down button simultaneously for five seconds.
- Release both buttons and wait for ten seconds until the ‘Connection Lost’ notification appears on the TV screen.
- Wait a few moments until the ‘Connected Remote’ notification appears on your TV.
- Your Siri Remote has now been restarted and you can use it again.
How to Download and Install tvOS 16 on Apple TV
To download the latest tvOS 16 update, you can use OTA (over the air) method by accessing the Settings app on your Apple TV, then navigating to System and selecting Software Update. This update is only available for the third-generation Apple TV 4K.
To download and install tvOS 16 on your Apple TV, follow these steps:
- Turn on your Apple TV and navigate to “Settings”.
- Click on “System” and select “Software Updates”.
- Tap on “Update Software”.
- If an update is available, click “Download and Install”. If not, then the latest update may already be installed.
- Wait for the download to complete and let your Apple TV restart automatically.
Please note that the tvOS 16.3.3 update is exclusively available for the third-gen Apple TV 4K with the A15 Bionic chip and USB-C Siri Remote. Unfortunately, if you own a different Apple TV model, this fix won’t be applicable to your device.
Apple is actively beta-testing the upcoming tvOS 16.5 update, alongside iOS 17 Update. Both updates are expected to be released at the end of July, accompanied by iPadOS 16.4.
Wrap up
Apple tvOS 16 update is a must for all Apple TV users. This latest update effectively resolves frustrating issues and enhances your Apple TV experience. Don’t delay – download and install the tvOS 16 update today to get seamless control over your Apple TV device and enjoy its improved features!
FAQ
How can I check my current tvOS version?
To Check the tvOS version, Go to Settings > System > About. The tvOS version will be displayed under “Software Version”.
Can I downgrade to an earlier tvOS version if I’m having issues with the latest version?
Unfortunately, downgrading to a previous tvOS version is not officially supported by Apple. If you encounter problems after updating, it is recommended to contact Apple Support for assistance.
