[Software] How to update your Apple TV and install tvOS 14

[King_of_lion]

Once a year Apple rolls out a major update to tvOS, the operating system software that runs on the 2015 and later Apple TV models. These (free) full-version updates introduce new features, as well as tweaking the interface and fixing bugs. The latest of these is tvOS 14, and it launches today!

In between the yearly updates, smaller point updates roll out, such as (in the near future) tvOS 14.1. These tend to have fewer eye-catching features but they are important too, because they often include security fixes. It's a good idea to keep your Apple TV up to date with the latest tvOS updates.

In this article we explain how to update tvOS on your Apple TV - which, as of today, means installing tvOS 14. (If you'd like to try out forthcoming versions of the software before they launch, you need to install a tvOS beta.) We also address any issues you might encounter with the update process.

Note that tvOS is only available on Apple TV 4K (2017) and Apple TV 4th generation (2015). Older Apple TVs have their own software, called simply Apple TV Software, but this isn't updated very often. However, if your device is experiencing performance issues it's worth checking that you're running the most up-to-date software, something we explain below.

If you have a newer Apple TV - one launched since 2015 - this is how to update its software.

Go to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software

Click on Download and Install to download the update

Click on Update Now

The Apple TV may restart during the process, and you'll be presented with a progress bar indicating the status of the update.

Once the Apple TV update has been completed, the Apple TV will restart running the most up-to-date software.

To turn on automatic updates go to Settings > System > Software Updates and turn on Automatically Update.