Apple has today released tvOS 17, bringing FaceTime to the Apple TV, Siri Remote improvements, screen saver enhancements, Dolby Vision 8.1 support, and more.
With tvOS 17, FaceTime comes to Apple TV 4K, so users — for the first time ever — can use the app on their TV to host conversations with family and friends. tvOS 17 also introduces an all-new Control Center, along with other enhancements that provide a more personalised experience that works even better with iPhone.
Apple TV 4K users can use the FaceTime app on Apple TV and initiate calls directly from Apple TV, or start calls on iPhone or iPad, and hand them off to Apple TV. FaceTime on Apple TV takes advantage of Continuity Camera support 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.
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, similar to finding a missing AirTag.
Screen saver enhancements in tvOS 17 provide a more customised experience on Apple TV, as users can now enjoy curated Memories from their personal library, shared library, or both on the big screen. The popular Apple aerial screen savers will feature a collection of new locations, including Arizona’s Monument Valley and California’s coastal redwoods.