Amber Neely
Apple's tvOS 26 didn't steal the show at WWDC, but its sleek redesign and new features make it a worthy update for Apple TV fans.
As is tradition, Apple offered a glimpse of the upcoming update, which follows the tradition of introducing improvements and features to enhance the Apple TV experience. While the changes aren't as dramatic as those coming to iOS or macOS, it's still worth highlighting.
A key visual update in tvOS 26 is the adoption of Apple's new "Liquid Glass" design ethos. Drawing from the aesthetics of visionOS, this design brings fluid translucency and subtle depth to the Apple TV interface.
Menus, system overlays, and app backgrounds now feature a glass-like finish that dynamically responds to the content behind them. Apple says these elements "reflect and refract content using real-time rendering."
They create a more immersive experience that emphasizes the content on-screen while making the interface feel more tactile and responsive.
The Apple TV app now features cinematic poster art, redesigned navigation, and enhanced profile switching that personalizes recommendations and Watchlists as soon as the system wakes. Control Center updates make it easier to adjust settings like audio, sleep timers, or lighting scenes without missing what's on screen.
The update also expands entertainment and communication features. Apple Music Sing now lets users turn their iPhones into microphones, with real-time lyrics, visual effects, and group controls on the big screen.
FaceTime gains Contact Posters, multilingual Live Captions, and smart call notifications tied to user profiles. Additional updates include new Aerial screen savers from India, speaker assignment for AirPlay, and developer APIs that simplify app logins through Apple Accounts.
Malcolm Owen
Marko Zivkovic
Andrew Orr
Christine McKee
4 Comments
Disappointed not to see a Games App for TvOS. By far my favourite place to play most games.
Another underwhelming version of TVoS.
They have an uphill battle to keep content providers onboard. Like Herding cats. All with their own idea of which way to go is best. The likes of the BBC seem to have completely abandoned any interest in AppleTV (tellingly, so does iPadOS predictive text. Instead only suggesting ApplePay and two empty slots).
if Apple doesn’t really love it, how’d they expect content providers to embrace it?