Currently in the beta testing phase, the new tvOS 17 will be available to everyone this Fall. After a few years, the new upcoming update will bring major changes and improvements Apple TV experience like FaceTime calls with support for SharePlay, Center Stage, split view, and more.
Apple expands macOS Continuity Camera to tvOS 17 for FaceTime calls with SharePlay support and more
In macOS Ventura and iOS 16, Apple introduced the Continuity Camera feature which allows users to turn their iPhones into a webcam for Mac for FaceTime or video calls via third-party apps like Zoom, Skype, and Webex. It also supports portrait mode, Desk View and Center Stage, and Studio Light.
Now, tvOS 17 supports Continuity Camera to allow Apple TV 4K users to enjoy FaceTime calls with their family and friends with Center Stage and even watch their favorite movie or TV show in real-time via SharePlay when they are not in the same geographical location.
Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing said:
“tvOS 17 transforms the biggest screen in the home with FaceTime and new video conferencing capabilities, giving Apple TV 4K users the ability to easily connect with anyone right from their living room. New features and enhancements make Apple TV simpler to use and even more enjoyable, reinforcing it as the absolute best option in the living room for Apple customers.”
Here is how to use FaceTime on Apple TV 4K in tvOS 17
To use FaceTime in tvOS 17, you need the second-generation Apple TV 4K released in 2021 or later model and an iPhone compatible with iOS 16 or newer.
You can start a FaceTime video call directly from Apple TV 4K, or switch it to Apple TV 4K from iPhone, or iPad in tvOS 17.
Just like the FaceTime calls in iOS, you can use gestures in FaceTime calls for effects to appear on the screens of all participants and always stay in focus with Center Stage. They can also start SharePlay sessions to share notes, view pictures, or watch videos in tvOS 17. For privacy reasons, new call alerts hide the caller’s name on the big screen.
Furthermore, Apple has released Continuity Camera API to developers which allows Zoom and Webex to come to tvOS 17 for the first time this Fall.
Recently, Apple seeded tvOS 17 beta 4 to developers and beta testers along with the fourth beta of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, and watchOS 10.
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