Apple Releases Second Beta of tvOS 9.1 to Developers

Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming update to tvOS, the new operating system that runs on the fourth-generation Apple TV. Today's tvOS beta marks the first major software update to tvOS 9.0, a final version of which was released alongside the new Apple TV. The first beta of tvOS 9.1 was seeded to developers last week.

The second tvOS beta is available as an over-the-air update to those who have installed the first beta. Installing an initial tvOS beta is a more involved process than installing a beta update for iOS or OS X. The update requires the Apple TV to be connected to a computer with a USB-C to USB-A cable, with the software downloaded and installed via iTunes.

tvos_9_1_beta_2_720
We don't yet know exactly what is included in the new version of tvOS, as most changes thus far appear to be under-the-hood updates. Apple's release notes for the update include references to networking and scrolling tweaks, and it's likely tvOS 9.1 will include fixes for bugs and issues that have been discovered in the software since the Apple TV's official launch.

We will include any other external facing changes below.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...

Top Rated Comments

ayale99 Avatar
128 months ago
It's an AppleTv article, so everyone that doesn't want to buy one, commence with letting us know why you personally don't like it. Bonus points for letting everyone know how Apple is going down hill fast.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lkrupp Avatar
128 months ago
Firmware update for 4K than I will upgrade to ATV until than Apple you better have updates for ATV3.
I’m sure Apple is literally quaking in its boots at thought of your threats.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
2010mini Avatar
128 months ago
Firmware update for 4K than I will upgrade to ATV until than Apple you better have updates for ATV3.
Don't hold your breath on that.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Shark5150 Avatar
128 months ago
It's an AppleTv article, so everyone that doesn't want to buy one, commence with letting us know why you personally don't like it. Bonus points for letting everyone know how Apple is going down hill fast.
Oh my god. I love it! My sediments exactly! Let the madness begin....
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cubsnlinux Avatar
128 months ago
People just need to let go with this hope for an update for the Remote App. Apple
clearly want everyone using the new remote for everything now. At £65, I'd want you to as well!

The sooner everyone accepts that then the sooner you can get on with your lives.
I don't understand this logic. The physical remote comes with the Apple TV. So how does the remote app cannibalize anything?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bommai Avatar
128 months ago
Can somebody please explain to me what is so great about using an iPad or iPhone as a remote for the Apple Tv? I just don't get it - why do I want to tie up another device to control another unless that is the only way I can stream audio/video I want to hear?
One use case is for music without having to turn the TV on. If you have HDMI hooked up to a receiver, you can select music from your iOS device from the remote app and play it with just the receiver on. Having the TV on for listening to music is absurd.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)