Apple revealed tvOS 26, the latest software update for Apple TV, during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. The new version jumps from tvOS 18 to 26, aligning its numbering with Apple’s other operating systems for the 2025–2026 cycle. This update brings a fresh visual overhaul, feature improvements, and enhanced integration across Apple devices.
Liquid Glass design
The standout change in tvOS 26 is its redesigned user interface. Apple introduced a Liquid Glass design language that adds a glossy, translucent look to UI elements. This new style uses real-time rendering to reflect and refract surrounding colors from the content background, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. The Liquid Glass theme is consistent with visionOS and other Apple platforms, marking a move toward a unified design across the ecosystem.
This update requires Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) or later due to the processing demands of the new UI. The interface revamp touches system controls, the Apple TV app, navigation, and playback controls, keeping video content front and center while providing quick access to settings like sleep timers and Control Center.
Improved profile switching and personalized content
tvOS 26 improves profile management by automatically displaying profile options as the device wakes. This lets users jump straight into personalized watchlists, recommendations, and Apple Music playlists without extra navigation. A new developer API also links app logins to Apple IDs, simplifying streaming service sign-ins during setup.
Apple Music Sing with iPhone
Karaoke fans get to enjoy Apple Music Sing with iPhone. This feature lets you use your iPhone as a microphone while lyrics display on the TV. The mode supports real-time lyric translations and pronunciation guides, making it easier to sing along with foreign-language songs. Friends can join the fun by queuing songs from their iPhones and reacting with emoji on screen. Apple Music Sing requires an Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) and an iPhone 11 or newer.
Enhanced FaceTime experience
FaceTime on Apple TV receives updates with Contact Posters, letting you start calls by selecting contact images on screen. Live captions expand to six additional languages, including French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish, improving accessibility. Users can also answer FaceTime audio calls through HomePod speakers or iPhones, deepening integration within Apple’s ecosystem.
More customization and convenience
tvOS 26 allows any AirPlay-enabled speaker to be set as the default audio output for Apple TV, removing previous restrictions that limited this feature to HomePods. New Aerial screensavers feature stunning locations like Goa and Kerala, with options to customize your screensaver by selecting Earth, Cityscape, Landscape, or Underwater themes.
The Apple TV app has been refreshed with cinematic poster art to enhance content discovery. Navigation has been redesigned to provide a more fluid and enjoyable browsing experience.
Availability
Developers can access the tvOS 26 beta starting today, with a public beta expected next month. The full release is scheduled for fall 2025. Note that some features require newer hardware, excluding older Apple TV models from this update.
