Apple has rolled out tvOS 15 to all users with improvements and new features including Spatial Audio support for AirPods, HomePod speaker support, Fitness+ updates, redesigned video player, and a new “Shared with You” section in the TV app.
What’s new in tvOS 15?
With tvOS 15, users can enjoy Spatial Audio with AirPods Pro and AirPods Max from their Apple TV. Spatial Audio is a three-dimensional sound experience in your headphones without the need for a surround sound system – making your TV experience theater-like. Similar to iPhone and Mac, Apple TV will also be able to automatically connect to AirPods to output audio. In addition to this, HomePod mini owners will be able to use their speakers as the default output for Apple TV. They can even be set up as a stereo pair with Apple TV now.
“Hey Siri” command can also be used to play content on the TV now. Users can also use Siri on other devices like HomePod, iPhone or iPad to control Apple TV.
tvOS 15 will feature shows and movies that friends and family have shared with you via Messages into the TV app via a new section called “Shared With You.” If you live with multiple people who have different viewing habits, there is a new section called “For All of You” which shows recommendations that are suitable for everyone.
One of the biggest new features for tvOS 15 was SharePlay, a feature that would allow users to watch videos and stream content together via screen sharing on FaceTime. This feature has been delayed for a future software update. Apple demonstrated this feature during WWDC 2021 using an episode from Apple TV+, but SharePlay also features support for Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, NBA, Twitch, TikTok, MasterClass, ESPN+, Paramount+, and Pluto TV. Apple has also released an API available to third-party apps and streaming services compatible with SharePlay.
Does your Apple TV support tvOS 15?
tvOS 15 can be installed on the following Apple TV models:
- Apple TV HD
- Apple TV 4K (2017)
- Apple TV 4K (2021)
Upgrade Apple TV to tvOS 15
To upgrade to the new operating system, simply go to Settings > System > Software Updates and select Update Software. When the update shows up, select Download and Install. Wait for the update process to complete and your Apple TV to restart.
Check out other software updates that Apple released today to users:
- iOS 15 is now available to all users with new Focus Mode, improved Siri, Spotlight, and more
- iPadOS 15 is now available with home screen widgets, multitasking improvements and more
- Download and install watchOS 8 on Apple Watch
- HomePod software version 15 released with Siri improvements and bass level customization
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