Your Apple TV can now make FaceTime calls and play karaoke – if you update to tvOS 17

Apple tvOS 17
(Image credit: Apple)

Your Apple TV is getting more personal. The promised tvOS 17 update is finally dropping on Apple TVs and brings with it changes that include FaceTime integration and karaoke.

Apple unveiled the update in June at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), and tvOS 17 is a significant update that brings a host of new features and functionalities to your Apple TV 4K (and Apple TV HD). 

This latest iteration is packed with improvements, such as the aforementioned FaceTime on Apple TV, new screen saver Memories, an updated Control Room, and useful audio updates. These additions have the potential to transform how we use our Apple TV.

FaceTime on the Big Screen

One of the most eagerly anticipated features of tvOS 17 is the addition of FaceTime. Now, you can enjoy video calls on your TV screen, making family conversations, video meetings, and group chats more immersive than ever. 

You'll still need your best iPhone to enjoy this feature, though. FaceTime on AppleTV uses your iPhone as a Webcam but instead of viewing your friends and family on that handset's relatively small screen, you'll be looking at the largest screen in your house, the 4K (or HDTV) connected to your Apple TV.

When it comes to group calls, Apple's Center Stage technology ensures that everyone stays in the frame, even if they move around.

But that's not all; you can also multitask while on a FaceTime call. The addition of SharePlay allows you to watch shows, movies, or sports events while chatting with friends and family. Plus, the future looks promising, with Webex and Cisco planning to launch their own versions of video calling on the platform later this year.

Audio updates

If you're a fan of high-quality audio, you'll be happy to hear that tvOS 17 now allows you to use your second-generation HomePod to help separate dialogue on your best streaming shows and movies. This enhancement promises to provide a more immersive and dynamic audio experience.

The new update also brings Dolby 8.1 compatibility to your Apple TV. This feature may be a game-changer for anyone who values superior sound quality while watching their favorite shows or movies.

Convenience and Personalization

Apple didn't just focus on audio and video features. You can now locate your Siri remote using your phone, ensuring that you never have to play a game of hide and seek with your remote again. The new Apple TV Control Center offers more personalized content based on user profiles, allowing every family member to have a unique Apple TV experience.

Entertainment center

For those who love to belt out their favorite tunes, Apple has introduced "Apple Music Sing" as part of tvOS 17. This feature turns your living room into a karaoke stage, allowing you to sing along with your favorite songs and, if you use Continuity Camera (which uses your iPhone as a webcam), even record your performances.

The iOS17 update started rolling out to Apple TV streaming boxes this week. If you don't see it, navigate to your Apple TV settings and check for updates.

You might also like

TOPICS
Cody Hmelar
Freelance contributor

Cody Hmelar is a radio and photojournalist working in broadcast engineering. Hailing from the heart of Silicon Valley, he explores the intersection of technology with human interest.

Read more
The Prime Video homepage with The Boys TV show poster displayed
Prime Video just launched a new app for Apple TV devices with 6 major improvements
iOS 18 Control Center
iOS 18.4: 5 new features to expect, including Ambient Music and Photos filtering
Apple iPhone 16 Review
iOS 18.3 is here with a major change to how you enable Apple Intelligence
Apple Vision Pro Review
Apple Intelligence finally arrives on Vision Pro, but it's the new iOS app that might turn heads
Apple products all showing different versions of the Apple Photos app
Apple Photos could actually win you over in iOS 18.4 – here are 4 improvements that are coming
Three iPhones on a blue and red background running Apple Intelligence
iOS 18.3: key upgrades and bug fixes for Visual Intelligence, Apple Music, and more
Latest in Streaming Devices
Google Chromecast 2
Google is finally rolling out a fix for broken Chromecasts – just as new bugs appear on the Chromecast with Google TV
Best Google Chromecast Apps
Following recent problems, Chromecasts are getting a free update to Android 14 – here's what that means
Google Chromecast 2
Chromecasts are still broken – but Google tells fuming owners not to factory reset their devices
Google Chromecast 2
Chromecast users are getting increasingly angry about a weird 'untrusted device' bug that blocks casting – but a fix is coming
Blue Chromecast with Google TV plugged into the back of a TV with the remote next to it.
Google has stopped selling the Chromecast with Google TV – but there's no way I'm replacing mine
Roku Express HD Streaming Device
Roku Express and Express 4K+ are 40% off in the Presidents' Day sale – don't miss out!
Latest in News
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #1147)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #378)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #644)
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before