Apple TV gets its second tvOS 26 beta update to download and install on compatible Apple TV devices.
tvOS 26 Beta 2: What’s New and How to Install It
Apple has released tvOS 26 beta 2 for developers, continuing its gradual rollout of the new Liquid Glass design on Apple TV. If you’re already running the first beta, you can grab this update right now for a smoother and more refined experience.
This beta doesn’t bring a ton of new features, but that’s typical for tvOS updates, which are generally more focused on design polish and performance. The main highlight remains the new Liquid Glass interface, offering a modern, animated design that matches the rest of Apple’s ecosystem updates in iOS 26 and macOS Sequoia.
How to Download and Install tvOS 26 Developer Beta 2
If you’re already running the first tvOS 26 beta, installing the second one is simple:
- Open the Settings app on your Apple TV.
- Scroll to System.
- Select Software Updates.
- Tap Update Software and download tvOS 26 Developer Beta 2.
Make sure not to unplug or power off your Apple TV during the update process.
Compatibility and Important Notes
- Public beta users: Apple says the public beta version of tvOS 26 is coming in July, so hang tight if you’re not in the developer program.
- No downgrade option: Once you install the beta, you can’t roll back to tvOS 18 unless you own an Apple TV model with a USB-C port.
- Liquid Glass UI: If the new interface isn’t showing on your Apple TV after installing the beta, you likely have an older model that doesn’t support the more graphics-intensive features. The Liquid Glass UI is only available on 2nd generation Apple TV 4K models.
Final Thoughts
tvOS 26 isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, but the subtle design changes and stability improvements are welcome. The Liquid Glass UI feels fresh and consistent with Apple’s next-gen design language. If you’re a developer or just curious about the future of Apple TV, tvOS 26 beta 2 is worth a test drive, just make sure your hardware can keep up.
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