Now that tvOS 17 is available, you probably want to update your Apple TV to the latest version so that you can blow everyone away with the new features. tvOS 17 includes great new features like the ability to make FaceTime calls from the Apple TV, which is easily the coolest Apple TV feature possibly ever if you are like many of us and spend a lot of time on FaceTime calls with loved ones. Plus, there’s a Split View option for SharePlay, karaoke, and a variety of other little neat changes like improvements to Control Center, and even more freakishly beautifully gorgeous screen saver options. What’s not to like about tvOS 17? Nothing, because it’s the best update for Apple TV yet.
We’ll show you how you can update your Apple TV to tvOS 17. However to get the most from tvOS 17, you will also want to update to iOS 17 on iPhone, because one of the best features of tvOS 17 is the ability to make FaceTime video calls on Apple TV, using your iPhone camera (or iPad with ipadOS 17).
Is my Apple TV model compatible with tvOS 17?
You will need an Apple TV HD from 2015 or newer, or any Apple TV 4K model, to run tvOS 17.
Earlier models of Apple TV are not compatible with tvOS 17 and will not be able to install it.
How to Install tvOS 17 for Apple TV
If you’ve already had the experience of updating tvOS before then you’re familiar with this process. Here is how it works:
- Turn on your TV and Apple TV together
- Open the “Settings” app on Apple TV
- Go to “System”
- Choose “Software Update”
- Choose to install tvOS 17
The tvOS update will download and install, and the Apple TV will restart to finish.
When done, your Apple TV will be running tvOS 17.
Remembers you need to also update an iPhone to iOS 17, or an iPad to iPadOS 17, to be able to use FaceTime Video calls on Apple TV. That’s because tvOS 17 uses the camera on the iPhone or iPad to make a FaceTime video call. So if you’ve been on the fence about updating to iOS 17 it’s time to step up to the plate and swing for the fences, because not only will you get great new features on your iPhone, but you’ll get amazing features like FaceTime Video calls on your Apple TV by utilizing that gorgeous iPhone camera.
Once you have that all up and running, just position your iPhone (or iPad) camera so that it faces you, and get FaceTime going on Apple TV!
How excited are you to make FaceTime calls from your TV?! That feature alone is so great that it makes tvOS 17 a worthwhile Apple TV update, and is a hugely compelling reason to get iOS 17 onto your iPhone or iPad. This feature is so valuable and helpful that it will likely sell some Apple TV set-top boxes to fellow FaceTime users.
