Your Apple TV needs the tvOS 15.5.1 update

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Apple's new Apple TV 4K with redesigned Siri Remote
There's a software patch for Apple TV.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV users should install a system software patch released Wednesday. tvOS 15.5.1 apparently fixes a small bug in the latest big update, which Apple released last week.

The patch comes out in unison with a small update to HomePod software.

How to update Apple TV to tvOS 15.5.1

Apple’s release notes for macOS, iOS and other operating systems explain what are in each new version. There are no such notes for minor tvOS updates like this one, just for major upgrades. That leaves us guessing.

The software that runs HomePods is a modified version of tvOS, and we do know what changes in the just-released version 15.5.1 of the smartspeaker OS. Its release notes say it “addresses an issue where music could stop playing after a short time.” It’s possible tvOS 15.5.1 fixes the same bug for Apple TV hardware.

tvOS 15.5.1 On Apple.com
This is all Apple has to say about tvOS 15.5.1.
Screenshot: Cult of Mac

Apple says Wednesday’s patch is for “Apple TV HD or later,” which includes Apple TV 4K. A manual software update isn’t necessary for most devices. The default is for new software versions to be automatically downloaded and applied.

But those eager to get the tvOS 15.5.1 update immediately can do so by navigating to the Settings app on Apple TV. Then click through to System, then click on Software Updates, then click on Update Software.

And don’t forget about the new HomePod patch. Read Cult of Mac‘s guide on how to get the latest HomePod software update.

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