Apple just dropped tvOS 26, and if you’re an Apple TV owner, it’s time to hit that update button. Released today, this software update brings a fresh coat of polish to your living room entertainment hub. While it’s not a revolutionary overhaul, the subtle tweaks—like new design and some playful additions—make everyday use feel more modern and enjoyable.
What’s new in tvOS 26
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Liquid Glass UI across tvOS
Apple’s glossy, translucent design language comes to the big screen, modernizing Control Center, system controls, and app chrome to match the rest of Apple’s 2025 platforms. -
Revamped Apple TV app
Cinematic poster art shows more movies and shows at a glance, with interface tweaks that make browsing feel more contemporary. -
Apple Music Sing
Pair an iPhone to act as a wireless microphone—hear your vocals through the TV—and get Lyrics Translation and Pronunciation on supported tracks. -
FaceTime updates
Contact Posters appear on the TV, incoming call notifications show up on Apple TV, and Live Captions now support Cantonese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish. -
Profiles that greet you
A profile picker can appear when Apple TV wakes, so each viewer lands on their own recommendations. (Toggle in Settings → Users and Accounts → Who’s Watching?). -
Default to any AirPlay speaker
You can now set any AirPlay 2–enabled speaker as the permanent audio output for Apple TV—not just HomePods.
Compatibility and feature caveats
Devices supported: Apple TV HD (2015) and all Apple TV 4K models.
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Liquid Glass: Apple TV 4K (2nd-gen or later).
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Music Sing (Karaoke): Apple TV 4K (3rd-gen).
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How to install tvOS 26
On your Apple TV: Settings → System → Software Update. If you’ve enabled automatic updates, your Apple TV will be updated automatically.
What feature are you most excited about? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! Stay updated with the latest news and deals by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
