Apple has released the latest update for its tvOS, version 26, which showcases a significant redesign with a Liquid Glass aesthetic, introduces a karaoke feature, and integrates major audio enhancements for the Apple TV. Typically, updates to Apple TV software are less dramatic than those for other Apple devices, but this year’s offering is more than just a cosmetic change—let’s delve into the new features included in the update.
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User Interface and Experience Enhancements
The most striking transformation in tvOS 26 is the adoption of the Liquid Glass design philosophy. This modernized interface provides a smoother and more cohesive user experience, aligning the look and feel of Apple’s software across various devices. With this update, the buttons and icons on tvOS now mirror those found on iOS, and the media player has received a stylish upgrade, featuring translucent elements and dynamic reflective effects.
In addition to visual improvements, the Control Center has been revamped for better usability, now boasting a cleaner layout with distinct tabs for profiles, Home, controls, and VPN access. The profile selection process has also been refined. Users can now choose a profile more easily when waking up their Apple TV. While this option has been around for a while, Apple seems to be enhancing it to better support third-party applications. Furthermore, Apple TV users will find that they are automatically signed into their streaming apps during setup if they had previously linked those services to their Apple account, eliminating the need to input passwords manually.
Significant Updates to the Music App
The Music app has undergone major revisions in this update. The Liquid Glass design enhances the overall aesthetic and makes navigation through playlists and albums much simpler. A new karaoke mode allows users to turn their iPhones into microphones, while audience members can engage by sending emoji reactions to the performances.
Additionally, a newly introduced automatic lyric translation feature not only translates song lyrics but also provides phonetic guidance for those wishing to sing in a language they are not fluent in.
Audio Enhancements
Users of Apple TV can now permanently designate an AirPlay-compatible speaker as their main audio output device, eliminating the need to re-establish connections when other paired speakers are activated. The update also brings enhanced passthrough audio capabilities, allowing for unprocessed sound to be transmitted to receivers, delivering superior audio quality for home theater setups. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos 9.6.1 support further elevates the experience, adding two new channels—overhead and front—for an even more immersive surround sound experience while watching movies and shows.
FaceTime Features Added
tvOS 26 introduces several new features and improvements to FaceTime, aligning the experience more closely with that of iOS. Contact Posters have been incorporated, allowing users to see personalized photos and names when making FaceTime calls on Apple TV.
Live Captions, an on-device feature that automatically generates and displays captions during FaceTime calls, has also expanded its language support to include French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish. Notifications for FaceTime audio and phone calls will now appear on-screen for the active profile, enabling users to respond using their connected HomePod speakers or iPhones.
Additional Minor Improvements
tvOS 26 also brings a variety of smaller enhancements that, while not revolutionary, contribute to a more refined user interaction with Apple’s streaming device. The TV app has been streamlined, featuring vertical artwork and reorganized watchlist information to enhance the viewing selection process.
Users now have increased control over their screen savers, allowing them to select specific aerial videos to display or hide, rather than just disabling entire categories. This means users can opt out of the few shots they may not prefer while enjoying the rest. Lastly, as part of its role as a Home Hub, tvOS 26 now supports Thread 1.4, the latest iteration of the protocol that facilitates the creation of a unified mesh network among devices in the home, alongside other improvements.
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