Apple has removed SharePlay functionality for HomePod and Apple TV in the beta versions of iOS 174 and tvOS 174, indicating that these features will likely not be included in the final release

SharePlay was originally introduced in the iOS 15 update, allowing users to watch TV, use apps, and play games together using Facetime Apple has enhanced its features and capabilities over the last few updates For example, the eventual release of CarPlay, which allows everyone in the car to easily contribute songs to a shared playlist, ended the war over auxiliary cords

When it comes to HomePod and Apple TV, the SharePlay feature allows users to generate QR codes with either their Apple TV or iPhone This QR code can then be scanned by a friend or family member to play music through the device In addition, HomePod or Apple TV owners only needed to have an Apple Music account, while others could add songs without a subscription

Apple has yet to reveal why it removed this feature from the beta version, and it is not clear if this feature will ever return The question is whether this was a necessary choice or an intentional one This would not be the first time Apple has withdrawn the feature during a beta due to concerns about how it would be used The collaborative playlist feature was promised and then withdrawn in several editions of iOS 17

The iOS 174 beta proved to be one of the most dramatic OS updates in recent years While it appears to be relatively light on features, it brought one of the biggest changes Apple has implemented in a long time One of the biggest changes is to allow third-party app stores on the device to comply with new EU legislation, but reactions to the proposed plan have so far been less than positive

Often a feature is removed from a beta for various reasons, usually because the implementation is not as good as it should be We don't know if the feature will return in another beta, or if it will be held off until a future release iOS 174 will have to wait until March when it is released to the public