Apple unveiled tvOS 26 at WWDC 2025, introducing a suite of enhancements aimed at modernizing the Apple TV experience.
With tvOS 26, Apple aligns Apple TV’s software version with its broader ecosystem, delivering real substance beyond mere version number synchronization.
The update includes a striking new user interface, video calling refinements, audio improvements, karaoke capabilities, and smart connectivity upgrades. These features prove the company’s effort to elevate the platform in both form and function.
1. Liquid Glass UI redesign
First introduced at WWDC on June 9, 2025, the new “Liquid Glass” interface transforms tvOS into a visually dynamic platform. Menus and elements now exhibit a translucent, glass-like quality that responds to backgrounds in real-time, refracting and reflecting ambient content.
On compatible hardware, such as Apple TV 4K 2nd gen and later, subtle visual effects create an immersive spatial feel. The Apple TV app benefits from this overhaul, too.
Cinematic poster art is now showcased more prominently, enabling improved content discovery and engagement.
Underneath the aesthetic layer, UI navigation has been streamlined. Users now enjoy faster profile switching upon wake, and control elements adapt contextually. This minimizes distractions while preserving navigability.
2. Improved FaceTime experience
tvOS 26 brings significant improvements to video calling on Apple TV. FaceTime now integrates Contact Posters, which have large, personalized visual identifiers displayed when initiating calls.
The system also supports live captions in six additional languages: French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish. These will be processed offshore for maximum privacy.
Incoming FaceTime and phone call notifications are now routed to both the Apple TV and connected HomePod speakers. You can answer calls without switching devices.
3. Apple Music Sing expansion
Apple Music Sing on tvOS 26 brings engaging karaoke fun to the living room. Now, iPhones can be used as wireless microphones, feeding vocals directly into the TV’s sound system.
TV screens display synced lyrics, live visual effects, and emotion-driven emoji reactions from multiple participants.
Translation and pronunciation assistance are available for select songs. This will allow users to sing along in various languages with confidence.
4. AirPlay speaker support
vOS 26 lets users set any AirPlay-enabled speaker connected to Apple TV as the default audio output, removing the previous limitation to HomePod models.
This persistent setting eliminates repetitive manual selection and enhances the audio experience, as the device automatically connects even after sleep.
5. Automatic sign‑in and profile wake-up
Recognizing that many households share a single Apple TV, tvOS 26 introduces automatic profile selection upon waking. Upon selection, users immediately see their personalized content queue, TV app recommendations, and Apple Music playlists without needing to switch profiles manually.
Apple also introduced an Automatic Sign-In API. This ensures that when a user signs into a supported app on their iPhone, the Apple TV mirrors that login. The cross-device experience reduces friction and improves consistency.
Additional tvOS 26 enhancements
On top of the above, several other minor advancements are also included. They are as follows:
- Thread 1.4 networking support: tvOS 26 includes support for Thread 1.4 on compatible Apple TVs acting as home hubs. The update merges fragmented Thread networks and allows devices direct internet access.
- New aerial screen savers: Apple has refreshed the iconic Apple TV screens with new aerial visuals featuring locales across India. These span from the beaches of Goa to Kerala’s lush landscapes. You can also choose between categories like Cityscape, Earth, Landscape, or Underwater, or disable them altogether.
What tvOS 26 tells us about the future of Apple TV
Apple’s aggressive feature set seems to presage upcoming hardware changes, most notably, rumors of an Apple TV 4K model with a built-in camera and Apple’s own Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modem.