Apple has announced tvOS 26, bringing a beautiful new design and smarter features to Apple TV. The update introduces the Liquid Glass look, improved ways to discover and enjoy content, and new tools for music, communication, and personalization.
Liquid Glass Design Refresh
tvOS 26 debuts Liquid Glass, a vibrant new design that makes Apple TV more expressive and immersive. The interface reflects and refracts its surroundings in real time, keeping the focus on what’s playing. Interactions like fast-forwarding, rewinding, and adjusting settings now feel smoother and more engaging.
Redesigned Apple TV App
The Apple TV app now features cinematic poster art and displays more shows and movies, making it easier to find what to watch. Personalized profiles appear automatically when Apple TV wakes, so users can quickly access their recommendations, Watchlist, and Apple Music playlists.
Effortless App Login
A new developer API links app logins to an Apple Account. This makes signing in to favorite streaming apps and services simple, especially when setting up a new device.
Enhanced Apple Music Sing
Apple Music Sing now lets users turn their iPhone into a handheld microphone for Apple TV. Voices are amplified, and friends can join in, queue songs, or react with onscreen emoji. Real-time lyrics and visual effects light up the screen. New features include Lyrics Translation and Pronunciation, so users can sing along to more songs, even in different languages.
Improved FaceTime and Communication
FaceTime on Apple TV now shows Contact Posters with photos and names, making calls more personal. Live Captions are available in more languages, and users can answer calls on connected HomePod speakers or iPhone. Notifications for FaceTime audio and phone calls appear onscreen for the active profile.
More Personalization and Control
- New Aerial screen savers from India, including Goa and Kerala
- Choose specific types of Aerials, like Cityscape or Underwater, to display or hide
- Set any AirPlay-enabled speaker as the default for Apple TV audio
Availability
tvOS 26 is available for developer testing now, with a public beta next month. The update will launch for all users this fall as a free software update for Apple TV 4K (2nd generation and later).
