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How to join the beta

Parallax is a new Netrek client for Mac, iPad and Apple TV. The beta is free and runs through TestFlight, Apple's app for trying apps before they reach the App Store. You don't need an invitation or a developer account, only your normal Apple Account.

The beta link: testflight.apple.com/join/etgxnqJA

What you need

A Mac with macOS 26 (Tahoe) or later,
or an iPad with iPadOS 26.2 or later,
or an Apple TV with tvOS 26.2 or later, a game controller, and an iPhone, iPad or Mac to accept the invitation.

Older systems can't install it. TestFlight then says the app isn't available for your device.

On a Mac

Install TestFlight from the Mac App Store. It's free.
Open the beta link on the Mac.
Click View in TestFlight, then Accept, then Install.
Parallax appears in Applications. Open it from there or from TestFlight.

Check that you got the Mac version. If Parallax shows on-screen touch buttons, you have the iPad version, which Macs with Apple silicon can also run. Quit it, move it from Applications to the Trash, and install Parallax again from TestFlight. The Mac version plays with the keyboard and mouse.

On an iPad

Install TestFlight from the App Store.
Open the beta link on the iPad.
Tap View in TestFlight, then Accept, then Install.

Hold the iPad in landscape. It plays with on-screen controls or a game controller.

On Apple TV

An Apple TV can't open a web link, so you accept the invitation on another device first.

On an iPhone, iPad or Mac signed in to the same Apple Account as the Apple TV, open the beta link, tap View in TestFlight, then Accept.
On the Apple TV, install TestFlight from the App Store and open it.
Parallax is listed there. Choose Install.

Apple TV needs a game controller. The Siri Remote can browse the menus, but it can't fly the ship. Use an Xbox, PlayStation or MFi controller, paired in Settings, then Remotes and Devices, then Bluetooth.

Where to start

Play the three tutorial missions first: First Flight, Orbital Survey and Target Practice. They take a few minutes and teach the controls for your device. After that, try the missions, a Skirmish against robots, or a public Netrek server. The public servers are often quiet, so an empty server is normal.

Updates

TestFlight installs new builds as they come out. Each build works for 90 days, and the next one replaces it.

Sending feedback

On a Mac: open TestFlight, select Parallax, and click Send Beta Feedback.
On an iPad: take a screenshot, then tap Share Beta Feedback.
On Apple TV: email support@silentspice.com.

Say which device you used, and whether you played with a controller, the mouse or touch. "I got stuck here" is as useful as a bug report.

Leaving the beta

Open TestFlight, choose Parallax, and choose Stop Testing. You can also just delete the app. More questions are answered on the support page.