All articles tagged with #tvos
Apple has released developer beta 1 for iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, macOS Tahoe 26.6, watchOS 26.6, tvOS 26.6, visionOS 26.6, and HomePod 26.6 ahead of WWDC, with Apple yet to reveal new features; the company is expected to unveil iOS 27 and other updates at the June 8 WWDC keynote.
Apple released tvOS 26.5 for the Apple TV 4K, a minor update focused on bug fixes and performance improvements; it’s available through Settings > System > Software Update, and devices with automatic updates enabled will install it automatically.
Netflix has migrated its Apple TV app to a custom player instead of the native tvOS player, making basic actions like 10-second rewinds more cumbersome and removing Apple TV features (Siri Remote controls, Up Next, and live activity on iPhone). The change has prompted frustration and cancellations in Reddit threads, with suspicions that it’s aimed at uniform cross‑platform playback and potential advertising opportunities. Netflix hasn’t publicly explained the rationale beyond consistency across platforms.
Apple released tvOS 26.4 for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD, adding Genius Browse for content discovery, a new Continuous Audio Connection setting to smooth cross‑format playback, on‑screen subtitle styling controls, and the consolidation/removal of the iTunes TV Shows and iTunes Movies apps with all media now in the Apple TV app; the update also includes performance and stability improvements, with some features limited to newer Apple TV models.
Apple TV is celebrating its 19th anniversary, tracing its evolution from the 2007 iTV-previewed, hard-drive–based set-top box to a modern 4K streaming hub powered by Apple silicon. It shifted from a focus on iTunes to tvOS with the App Store and now integrates Apple TV+, Arcade, Fitness+, AirPlay and HomeKit. The current model is the November 2022 third-gen 4K, with rumors of a new model featuring a faster chip and Apple’s own N1 wireless chip for Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth.
Spotify has released a redesigned Apple TV app featuring faster performance, a more visual interface, and new capabilities including video podcasts and music videos, although music videos are not yet available in the US and Canada. The update also introduces features like queue management, lyrics, and AI-based song recommendations, with broader availability expected by mid-November.
Apple is rebranding its streaming service from 'Apple TV+' to 'Apple TV' and is expected to launch a new set-top box powered by the A17 Pro chip, aiming to differentiate itself in the competitive market and expand its smart home integration. The move suggests a broader strategy to evolve from a simple app to a comprehensive entertainment and smart home device.
A new Apple TV 4K is expected to launch this fall with the significant upgrade of the A17 Pro chip, which will enable advanced AI features for Siri, such as actor identification and personalized recommendations, making it a compelling upgrade despite the device's historically modest hardware needs.
A new Apple TV 4K with an A17 Pro chip is expected soon, offering improved performance and potential support for Apple Intelligence features, though these may not be emphasized in the upcoming marketing. The upgrade will mainly enhance gaming and future Siri capabilities, with a possible low-key release in 2025.
Apple is set to introduce new screen savers in the upcoming tvOS 18.2 update, including categories like Snoopy, TV and Movies, Music, and Soundscapes. These new options are expected to be available by late 2024 and will require a second-generation Apple TV 4K or newer. The update is anticipated to be released to the public in December.
Apple has released the first developer betas for visionOS 2.2, tvOS 18.2, and watchOS 11.2, offering a preview of new features expected to launch publicly in December. These updates are anticipated to include enhancements like Vision Pro's upgraded Mac Virtual Display feature and new screensavers for tvOS. The betas are available to users with a developer account, and more features are expected to be discovered as testing continues.
YouTube has rolled back an update to its tvOS app that replaced Apple TV's default Aerial screensaver with its own, following user complaints. The change appears to have been made server-side, as the app itself hasn't been updated. This move alleviates concerns that YouTube might use the screensaver space for ads in the future.
Apple's latest tvOS beta includes a reference to "homeOS," fueling speculation about the tech giant's plans for a smart home operating system. This isn't the first time such references have surfaced, and rumors suggest potential new HomePod variants, including one with a touchscreen resembling an iPad on a robotic arm. Whether Apple will expand its smart home efforts beyond the current HomePod and HomePod mini remains to be seen.
Code references in the tvOS 17.4 beta suggest that Apple may be developing a new operating system called "homeOS" for use within the home environment, possibly related to its existing HomeKit smart home framework and HomePod devices. The references were discovered in the developer beta, and while there's no clear indication of its purpose, speculation includes potential use for smart home displays and integration with future devices. It's uncertain when more details about homeOS will be revealed.
Apple has released the tvOS 17.3 update for Apple TV, bringing bug fixes and subtle enhancements. The update, build number 21K646, follows the significant updates in the previous tvOS 17.2 release, including a revamped Apple TV app and Dolby Atmos for SharePlay. Alongside tvOS 17.3, Apple has also released a HomePod software update, build number 21K646, which can be installed via the Home app. Users can manually update to tvOS 17.3 through the Settings app or enable automatic updates for their Apple TV.