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tvOS 27 removes a feature that some Apple TV users might miss after updating

read original get Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) → more articles
Why This Matters

tvOS 27 brings a rebuilt Podcasts app with HLS video podcast streaming to Apple TV 4K, but it drops support for shows added via custom URL feeds. That's a real hit for listeners who subscribe to paid or membership-only podcasts, since those feeds typically live outside Apple's directory.

Key Takeaways
Worth a Look

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) — If you want tvOS 27 and its overhauled Podcasts app with video podcast streaming, you'll need a second- or third-gen Apple TV 4K. The current model is the one that gets the new software, and it doubles as a snappy hub for streaming apps and AirPlay.

See Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.

When tvOS 27 is released later this month, Apple TV users will gain an overhauled Podcasts app. The new version includes Apple’s new video podcast streaming technology.

However, eagle-eyed users may notice that the upcoming software update removes one feature that may be missed after updating: support for shows followed by a URL.

As mentioned, Apple TV 4K is adding support for streaming HLS-based video podcasts in the Podcasts app in tvOS 27.

This follows the same feature coming to iOS 26.4’s Podcasts app on iPhone and iPad. The Mac also supports HLS video shows in macOS 27 Golden Gate.

But tvOS 27.0 lacks one feature as part of the new version. Shows added with a custom URL, like membership-only feeds for paid podcasts, no longer work on Apple TV 4K’s Podcasts app with tvOS 27.

This is likely a feature oversight or something that Apple plans to add back in the future.

Custom feeds are still supported for Apple’s Podcasts app on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro, and Mac with the OS 27 updates.

tvOS 27 is only compatible with the second- and third-generation Apple TV 4K. The original Apple TV 4K is capped at tvOS 26 — which still supports custom URL feeds.