Apple has officially launched tvOS 26, the latest version of its operating system for Apple TV, featuring significant enhancements aimed at improving the overall user experience. This update includes innovations in content discovery, music sharing, and video calling functionalities.
New Liquid Glass Design
A standout feature of tvOS 26 is the introduction of the new Liquid Glass design. This aesthetic update offers a visually captivating experience on larger screens, utilizing translucent surfaces that dynamically reflect and refract surrounding environments. This design approach ensures that user interactions, such as switching profiles, adjusting audio, or activating the night timer and “Movie Night” mode, are streamlined, allowing viewers to maintain focus on their content without interruptions.
Enhancements to the Apple TV App
The Apple TV app has undergone a significant redesign, showcasing high-resolution movie posters and a more comprehensive layout that facilitates greater content visibility. The aesthetics have not only been improved for better appeal but also optimized for easier navigation and discovery of movies and series. The integration of user profiles is notably more fluid, providing users with quick access to their personalized recommendations, Watchlists, and music playlists upon waking the device.
Developers also benefit from enhanced access to their preferred apps, including third-party solutions, through a newly introduced API that links logins directly to Apple accounts, resulting in faster access.
Apple Music Sing Goes Wireless
The Apple Music Sing feature has evolved, allowing users to transform their iPhones into wireless microphones, amplifying their voice directly through the TV. Friends can join in the karaoke experience using their iPhones to select songs, engage with on-screen emojis, and sing along with synchronized visuals, real-time lyrics, translations, and guided pronunciations. This feature brings an affordable and enjoyable karaoke experience to home parties.
Updates to FaceTime on Apple TV
FaceTime has also received notable improvements in tvOS 26. Contact Posters now allow for the display of personalized names and photos, enhancing call recognition. Live Captions are being expanded to include multiple languages—French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish—making conversations more accessible in multilingual settings. Call notifications will now only appear for the active user profile, with response options available via HomePod or iPhone.
New Screensavers and Audio Options
tvOS 26 introduces new Aerial screensavers filmed in picturesque locations in India, including Goa and Kerala, along with the ability to customize screen themes using options such as Cityscape, Landscape, Earth, and Seascapes. Additionally, users can now assign an AirPlay speaker as the default audio output for their Apple TV, simplifying audio management for those utilizing soundbars, HomePods, or external speakers.
Overall, the updates in tvOS 26 reflect Apple’s commitment to enhancing the consistency of the user experience across devices. The newly implemented Liquid Glass design, improved shared entertainment options, and smarter content management present an update that significantly enhances functionality beyond mere aesthetics.
