We’re currently on tvOS 18, so the new tvOS 26 name may confuse some users who were watching out for tvOS 19 announcements. As with the iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS, tvOS has also been renumbered to “26” to reflect the release cycles for Apple’s device operating systems, in this case being September 2025 to September 2026.
The most noticeable change is that tvOS 26 has a new look. UI elements have been visually refreshed with a glossy “Liquid Glass” design language that aligns with visionOS as part of Apple’s goal of unifying the user experience across all of its operating systems.
Any AirPlay-enabled speaker can be designated as the permanent default speaker for Apple TV devices, a feature that was previously restricted to select Apple HomePod models. This will make it easier to get better sound from Apple TV boxes that are connected to TVs without wired sound systems attached.
The update also includes a karaoke mode, called Sing with Apple Music, that will let you use your iPhone as a mic as song lyrics appear on the TV, including translation and pronunciation cues. You’ll also be able to queue up songs from your iPhone.
Apple says that Apple TV users will have the choice to automatically display profiles when the device wakes up to quickly jump back into their personal recommendations, watchlists, and Apple Music playlists. A new API will let developers link app logins to an Apple Account, making it easier to sign into streaming services when setting up a new device.
It will also support the new multi-platform Games app that’s coming to iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. The app will aggregate Apple Arcade games as well as titles downloaded from the App Store, providing users with a single platform to launch games and view editorial content, leaderboards, and in-game achievements.
The tvOS 18 update introduced real-time onscreen insights about live-action Apple TV Plus movies and shows, AI-enhanced subtitles, and new screensavers for Apple TV 4K when it rolled out in September last year. The tvOS 26 update will be available today in developer beta, with a public beta in July, and a full release in the fall.
