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Apple Releases Third tvOS 18.1 and HomePod Software 18.1 Public Betas

Apple today released new public betas of tvOS 18.1 and HomePod Software 18.1, allowing non-developers to test the software ahead of when it is released later in October. The third betas come a week after the second betas.

Apple TV 2022 Feature Orange
Public beta testers who have signed up for Apple's public beta program can download tvOS 18.1 by opting in to beta updates through the Settings app on the Apple TV. ‌HomePod‌ software can be downloaded through the Home app on the iPhone. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of the app, choose Home Settings, and then select Software Update.

tvOS software releases are usually minor in scale compared to other operating system updates, focusing primarily on smaller improvements rather than outward-facing changes. We don't know what's included in tvOS 18.1.

The ‌HomePod‌ and HomePod mini's software is also based on tvOS 18.1, and there is no word on what's in those updates either.

While we don't always know what's new in these betas, we let MacRumors readers know when the updates are available so those who want to update to the latest beta can do so.

Related Roundups: Apple TV, HomePod, HomePod mini

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Top Rated Comments

rotvaldi Avatar
21 months ago
And 18.1 beta 6?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
21 months ago
Finally the Atmos reversed channel issue is fixed!!!!!!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rychiar Avatar
21 months ago
what does one even test on a HomePod beta? HomePod software is a bug filled mess as always I'm sure. few products give me ore headaches
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Macaholic868 Avatar
21 months ago
That means the iOS and iPadOS 18.1 betas are up next…
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nunolikeapple Avatar
21 months ago
we need ios 18.0.1 update! :rolleyes:🤦‍♂️
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
21 months ago

It’s crazy that they haven’t released iOS 18.1 beta 6! I’ve never seen them release the betas for all the softwares except for the iPhone’s! It probably has something to do with Apple Intelligence
Probably busy working on the iOS 18 update required for their high-end M4 iPads.

Honestly this is getting ridiculous!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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