tvOS 14 Release Dates: Final, Developer Beta, Public Beta
Apple’s iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and macOS Big Sur announcements at the WWDC 2020 event may have received most of the attention from media. However, the Cupertino-based company also showcased tvOS 14, the upcoming software version for their Apple TV line-up that adds some noteworthy features and improvements.
It’s understandable if you couldn’t find much information regarding tvOS on the internet, as it received relatively little spotlight during the WWDC event when compared to iOS 14 and macOS Big Sur. If you own a compatible Apple TV, you have every reason to be excited about the update as it brings key features like picture-in-picture mode and the ability to finally play YouTube videos in 4K.
Interested in knowing when you can update your Apple TV to the latest software? That’s exactly what we’ll be discussing here. Without further ado, let’s check out the release dates for the final version, developer and public beta builds of tvOS 14.
What is the tvOS 14 Release Date for Final Versions?
Don’t get your hopes up just yet, as we’re currently months away from the release of the final and stable version of tvOS 14. There’s no mention of an exact release date on Apple’s website although they did mention that it’s coming this fall during the WWDC Keynote event.
If previous years are any indicator, Apple rolls outs final versions of tvOS shortly after the iPhone announcement takes place annually in September. Hence, a late September release seems realistic for tvOS 14.
We’ll make sure to update you as we get further information regarding release dates from Apple, but for now, we just know that tvOS 14 is coming later this year. So, don’t expect to get your hands on the latest iteration of tvOS anytime soon unless you’re willing to try out the beta versions.
tvOS 14 Developer Beta is Available Now
Apple began rolling out the tvOS 14 developer beta update on the same day as the WWDC announcement, but if you aren’t aware of how a developer beta works, only developers who’re part of the Apple Developer Program will be able to access this early build.
Are you a registered Apple Developer? If that’s the case, you can get experimental and install tvOS 14 beta on your Apple TV right now. On the other hand, if you’re just a regular user, you still have the option to enroll in the Apple Developer Program which will set you back at an annual fee of $99. This not only gives you access to beta software from Apple, but also allows you to publish apps in the App Store.
Don’t want to spend almost a hundred dollars just to try out the beta? Well, you’re certainly not the only one thinking that. Thankfully, you have the choice to install the developer profile from third-party sources on to your device and get beta updates directly from Apple. If that’s not your thing, you can just wait for the public beta release instead.
tvOS 14 Public Beta Release Date
Apple has maintained a good track record of releasing the public beta of its software just a few weeks after the developer beta release and the tvOS is no exception in that regard. There’s no mention of a specific date upon checking Apple’s Beta software webpage, however. We’re all just welcomed to sign up for the beta with a “Coming Soon” message.
Taking into consideration that the developer beta of tvOS came out in the fourth week of June this year, we can realistically expect the tvOS 14 public beta to be rolled out around mid-July this time around.
Just like the developer beta build, tvOS 14 public beta will not be available to everyone who owns an Apple TV. To be eligible, you’ll need to be a part of the Apple Beta Software Program first. Therefore, if you don’t have the patience to wait for the final release in September, go ahead and enroll your device in the public beta from any device.
Fortunately, unlike the Developer Program, enrolling in the Beta Software Program is free of charge. This also gives you access to beta versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS, so if you own multiple Apple devices, this is a one-step process to access multiple beta builds that Apple has to offer for all their devices.
We’ve said this several times before, but it goes without saying that these beta versions are early experimental builds and could suffer from severe bugs and stability issues. Regardless of whether you’re using an Apple TV or an iPhone, we don’t recommend you to install these releases on your primary device.
Now that you know when the final and beta versions of tvOS 14 are expected, are you looking forward to trying out the public beta when it comes out? Or, have you already installed the developer beta by any chance? Do share your valuable thoughts and experience in the comments section down below.
