How do you update the Apple TV Developer Kit? tvOS software not available via iTunes

Question

I was the lucky winner of an Apple TV Developer Kit, and received it today.

When I plug the device into my TV, I am directed to first plug it in to a Mac with iTunes.

However, when I try to Restore Apple TV... the latest version of iTunes says:

Software for this Apple TV is not currently available. Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes and try again.

How do I install the correct software and use this device?

Yorick

Did your Apple TV come with the necessary cable to connect it to your Mac? I have one coming in the second batch and don't want to have to wait another day ordering a USB-C cable! – Serrulation

@lukech yes, it comes with a USB-C cable. My first one! It's a cheap black one, though, not up to snuff with Apple's usual cable quality. – Yorick

Better than nothin'! – Serrulation

Just in case anyone else stumbles across this, the second round of Dev kits did NOT come with USB-C cables. I had to wait a whole extra day, like a caveman :) – Serrulation

@lukech — Mine (second round) DID come with a USB-C cable. Oddly, it also came with a Lightning cable, which I have no idea yet why. – Garderobe

To charge the remote :) – Serrulation

Answer 1

The Apple TV Developer Kit tvOS beta is not yet available via iTunes.

Download the tvOS beta here:
https://developer.apple.com/tvos/download/

Hold Option when clicking the Restore Apple TV... button in the screenshot above.

Then select the .ipsw you just downloaded to install the tvOS software to your Apple TV Dev Kit.

Yorick