Apple has rolled out the tvOS 17.4 update for Apple TV, introducing Apple Music SharePlay among other features, following its recent beta testing phase. This new version, identified as build number 21L227, succeeds tvOS 17.3's build 21K646, mainly offering under-the-hood improvements like bug fixes and performance enhancements. However, tvOS 17.4 stands out by incorporating SharePlay into Apple TV, a feature previously available in the Apple Music app on other Apple devices. This allows users to scan a QR code displayed on their TV to join a shared music queue, enhancing the communal listening experience. Additionally, references to "homeOS" found within the beta versions hint at future developments, though details remain speculative based on earlier job listings from 2021.
Updating to tvOS 17.4:
- Open "Settings" on Apple TV.
- Go to "System" and select "Software Updates."
- Choose "Update Software" to search for and install the update.
Users can also enable automatic updates in the Software Updates section to have the Apple TV update itself to the latest version when available.