The update will roll out later this year as a free software upgrade, but if you’re eager to try it early, you can install the beta now by going to Settings > System > Software Update > Get Beta Updates on your Apple TV.
Here’s what’s new and how it feels to use, as described by 9to5mac.
Liquid Glass Design Comes to Apple TV
Apple is extending its new “Liquid Glass” visual style across its platforms, and now it’s arriving on the big screen, as per the report. The update introduces subtle light-refraction and transparency effects that give the interface a smooth, glassy look, especially striking on OLED TVs, according to 9to5mac. Control Center overlays let media content shine through, and the home screen dock gently sparkles at the edges, as per the report.
These visual effects are only supported on second-generation Apple TV 4K (released in 2021) and newer, as reported by 9to5mac. Older models will still receive the update but will not get all the new features, according to the report.
Apple TV App Gets a Major Redesign with Portrait Posters
The TV app has also overhauled the design, as per the report. One major change: Apple has switched from landscape posters to portrait-style artwork for movies and shows, as reported by 9to5mac. The new layout feels more premium and makes room for more titles per row, making it quicker to browse through Apple TV+ and other content, according to 9to5mac.The Continue Watching queue now uses integrated cards that superimpose playback progress and text descriptions on top of imagery, and sleek visual treatments for the top 10 labels add additional visual flair, as reported by 9to5mac.
Apple Music Sing Adds iPhone Microphone Support for Karaoke
tvOS 26 brings a big upgrade to the Apple Music Sing experience. With a song playing on your Apple TV, nearby iPhones can now pair as wireless microphones, according to 9to5mac. Friends can sing into their phones and hear their vocals on the TV, layered over the music, as per the report.
Users can also queue up songs from their iPhones, send emoji reactions, and play with voice effects, as per the report. Apple has also updated its Lyrics experience across platforms to include translations and pronunciation help for supported tracks, making it easier to connect with foreign-language music, according to the 9to5mac report.
Smarter Profile Switching with “Who’s Watching?” Prompt
In earlier versions of tvOS, switching profiles required holding the TV button on the remote and manually choosing a user, a step many forgot, as per the report. Now, tvOS 26 introduces a new setting that displays a “Who’s watching?” screen as soon as the Apple TV wakes up, as per the report.
It’s a small tweak that could make a big difference for households with multiple users. You can turn it on under Settings > Users and Accounts > Who’s Watching?. However, third-party apps still don’t reliably support user profiles, limiting its usefulness for now, as reported by 9to5mac.
Customize Aerial Screensavers
There are new aerial screensavers featuring dramatic landscapes from across India, and there is also an option to personalise which Aerials appear or remove ones you don’t like, as per the report.
Updated FaceTime Layout and More Live Captions Support
FaceTime gets a visual refresh with contact posters, and Live Captions are now available in more languages, according to 9to5mac. Phone and FaceTime audio notifications also show up on your Apple TV, letting you answer calls using connected HomePods or an iPhone, as reported by 9to5mac.
Set Any AirPlay 2 Speaker as Default on Apple TV
Another change is that you can now set any AirPlay 2 speaker, not just HomePods, as your default audio output, so your Apple TV stays connected to your preferred speakers automatically, according to the report.
FAQs
What is tvOS 26?
It’s the latest Apple TV software update that adds new features and a refreshed visual design.
Can I install tvOS 26 now?
Yes, it’s available as a public beta. You can install it from Settings on your Apple TV.
