Apple TV Update: Discover the Top Features of tvOS 26!

At WWDC 2025, Apple showcased its ongoing commitment to the Apple TV, unveiling tvOS 26 which features the new Liquid Glass interface. This interface introduces enhanced transparency and reflection effects, aligning it with other Apple systems. The subtlety of this design is particularly evident on the home screen, where a glass-like background can be seen beneath the top row of apps and around the display of the current time and user profile in the upper right corner. Additionally, the app icons have been redesigned for a fresher look.

Liquid Glass in Detail

The Liquid Glass design becomes more prominent within the system interface, for instance, during video playback or within the control center at the top right of the screen. This feature dynamically refracts the content of the video, adding a layer of depth and interactivity to the viewing experience.

Enhanced User Customization and Accessibility

With tvOS 26, users now have the option to select a profile each time the Apple TV wakes from sleep mode, making it easier to access personalized content. Apple has also released a new API for developers that links app identifiers to an Apple account, simplifying access to favorite apps, shows, and movies when setting up a new device.

Improvements in Apple Music Sing and FaceTime

Apple Music Sing has been improved in tvOS 26, now allowing the use of an iPhone as an external microphone to enhance vocal performance. Additionally, the Translation and Pronunciation features for song lyrics introduced in iOS 26 are also available. FaceTime enhancements include the integration of Contact Posters, which display a contact’s custom photo and name when initiating a FaceTime call on Apple TV. Live subtitles have been expanded to include German, Korean, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Mandarin. Moreover, with iOS 26, notifications for phone and FaceTime audio calls can be displayed on the Apple TV screen. Apple has also implemented an auto-connect feature for apps already installed on other devices and introduced new screensavers featuring aerial views of locations in India, such as Goa and Kerala. Users can now designate an AirPlay speaker as the default audio output for their Apple TV.

Compatibility and Availability

tvOS 26 remains compatible with the same models as its predecessor, supporting all models of Apple TV 4K, as well as the Apple TV HD. However, the new Liquid Glass interface is only available on the second-generation Apple TV 4K, launched in 2021. The developer beta of tvOS 26 was released last night, and a slightly more stable public beta is scheduled for release in July. The final version is expected to launch in early September, aligning with Apple’s typical release schedule.