Apple has pulled the Apple Music SharePlay feature for the HomePod and Apple TV in the iOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4 betas. This suggests that the feature may not be included when the mobile operating system updates are released in March.
The first betas of tvOS 17.4 and iOS 17.4 offered SharePlay music controls on both the HomePod and the Apple TV. Unfortunately, the functionality has been removed from the most recent betas.
SharePlay is a feature for sharing and watching content (such as video, apps, and games) with family and friends while on a FaceTime call, as well as improvements to its AirPlay wireless streaming feature. In iOS 17, SharePlay was added to CarPlay, allowing everyone in the car to contribute songs to a shared playlist.
On the HomePod and the Apple TV, the SharePlay feature allowed users to generate a QR code (on the iPhone for HomePod) that could be scanned to provide the option to play songs on the device to friends and family members. The HomePod or Apple TV owner was required to have an Apple Music subscription, but those contributing content simply needed the Music app without a subscription.
At this point, we can’t be sure if Apple will return the SharePlay feature to the HomePod or Apple TV ahead of the public release of the iOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4 updates in March.
(First reported by MacRumors)
