The Apple TV 4K set-top box is getting a handful of new features with tvOS 26. tvOS 26 is available now as a public beta, and will be available as a free software update later this year for everyone to install.
tvOS 26 includes updates to Apple Music Sing, easier profile switching, better support for AirPlay speakers that are not HomePods, and a visual design refresh featuring Liquid Glass material. Here’s everything new …
tvOS 26 is available for all Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models, although older generations of hardware do not support all of the new features. Most significantly, the Liquid Glass material effects are limited to the second-generation Apple TV 4K (released in 2021) and newer.
To try out the public beta before the public release coming in the fall, go to Settings -> System -> Software Update -> Get Beta Updates.
Once you are updated, here’s the new features to look out for:
Liquid Glass redesign
Apple has applied a consistent visual theme across its operating systems this year, featuring layering of ‘Liquid Glass’ materials that distort and refract light just like platters of real glass. The visual changes on tvOS are subtle, but noticeable and welcomed.
Control Center features clear glass controls, your currently playing content beautifully shines through the buttons overlaid on the media player, and even the dock on the home screen sparkles at the edges, details that are especially striking on OLED TV.
Fresh new look for the Apple TV app
Building on the new glassy system appearance, Apple has overhauled the design of the TV app. The big new change is the switch from landscape to portrait poster artwork for your movies and TV shows.
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