tvOS 17 brings FaceTime to Apple TV 4K, new Control Center, Siri Remote improvements, more

Apple has unveiled tvOS 17, bringing FaceTime to Apple TV 4K for the first time alongside an all-new Control Center, along with other enhancements and Siri Remote improvements.

Starting this fall, the Apple TV 4K will include a new FaceTime app on Apple TV that will allow users to initiate calls directly from Apple TV, or start calls on iPhone or iPad, and hand them off to Apple TV. FaceTime on Apple TV will support Continuity Camera to wirelessly connect to the user’s iPhone or iPad, and leverages the device’s camera and microphone to bring participants together on the TV.

With tvOS 17, Apple is introducing a new Control Center on Apple TV for users to access key settings and information throughout the entire Apple TV experience. Control Center now displays system status, including the time and active profile, and expands with other details based on a user’s activity.

tvOS 17 strengthens the integration of Apple TV and iPhone with the ability to locate the Siri Remote. Users can launch the Apple TV remote inside Control Center on iPhone to find their Siri Remote (2nd generation or later). As users get closer to the remote, an onscreen circle grows in size to guide their movement.

In addition, when using the remote on iPhone to wake up and control Apple TV, users will be automatically switched to their profile.

Other improvements coming with tvOS 17 include third-party VPN support, Apple Fitness+ enhancements, including Custom Plans, a new way for Fitness+ users to receive a custom workout or meditation schedule based on day, duration, workout type, and more, and Dolby Vision 8.1 support, which offers Apple TV 4K users a more cinematic visual experience with dynamic metadata over a broader range of movies and TV shows.