If your Apple TV is currently running tvOS 26.1 beta 1, make sure you download and install developer beta 2 immediately.
Apple Releases New tvOS 26.1 Beta 2 for Apple TV with Minor Bug Fixes and Other Improvements
In order to download and install tvOS 26.1 developer beta 2, assuming you already have beta 1 installed, launch the Settings app, go to System, open Software Update, and then open Update Software.
Your Apple TV will restart in order to complete the installation, which is a pretty standard routine. Just make sure you do not play around with your Apple TV remote during the entire installation process.
According to Apple, the second developer beta of tvOS 26.1 has the following build number: 23J5558e
If you’re interested in testing out the beta on your Apple TV, you can download the public beta on it, and it’s absolutely free and quick to sign up.
In terms of features, tvOS 26.1 brings nothing new to Apple TV. If everything is running fine for you on tvOS 26.0.1, then there’s no need to dip your toes in the world of beta updates.
Besides, if you have one of the newer Apple TV models, you cannot downgrade back to tvOS 26.0.1 either. Once you get on the beta channel, you’re in it for good until the final version of the software arrives.
