Apple has a new round of developer beta updates for tvOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, visionOS 26.1,and more available today: beta 4 is here.
Update: Public beta 4 is now available for select 26.1 updates as well.
watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, visionOS 26.1 are almost ready for launch
Today Apple debuted a lineup of new beta updates for developers.
The company has shipped beta 4 for watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1 alongside other, more major updates like iOS 26.1.
So far in the beta cycle, these updates have been especially light on user-facing features.
One of the only noticeable changes has been a new Apple TV app icon in tvOS to align with the recent Apple TV+ rebranding.
It’s possible Apple has more in the works that it’s just not ready to share yet.
Normally additional features this late in a beta cycle would be unusual. But for tvOS 26.1 in particular, we might get some surprises.
Why? Because new Apple TV 4K hardware appears imminent.
If Apple unveils a new Apple TV 4K in the next week or two, its rumored A17 Pro chip could lead to the first Apple Intelligence features for tvOS coming too.
However, with Apple debuting new M5 products last week, it remains unclear when the expected Apple TV hardware might actually arrive. This week is unlikely, since the M5 iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro are all arriving in stores this Wednesday.
That makes next week the most likely launch window, with an early November release possible too.
How have Apple’s 26.1 releases for tvOS and watchOS been running for you? Let us know in the comments.
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- Anti-slip silicone case for Siri Remote, AirTag compatible
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- TP-Link Tapo 2K camera with HomeKit Secure Video
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