4 tvOS 26 adjustments value upgrading your previou...

For the primary time in a very long time, I am excited a few tvOS replace. Apple revealed tvOS 26 alongside iOS 26, and there is a lot to sit up for. The meat of the replace is the Liquid Glass show, which is able to make your interface look rather a lot sleeker than it at present does. The Apple TV UI, because it stands, is okay, nevertheless it’s not precisely one thing particular to take a look at.

An overhaul, while I had reservations, was wanted as a result of the Apple TV UI regarded slightly too easy. After seeing Apple reveal what was in retailer for tvOS 26, I grew to become a believer. There’s rather a lot that I am in search of on the horizon, and I can see myself lastly pulling the set off on an Apple TV 4K improve that I have been holding off on for thus lengthy.

Associated

Why I’m probably stuck with Apple TV forever

When you’re in search of a easy, simple streaming platform, the Apple TV cannot be beat.

1

Audio passthrough is a giant deal

Lengthy have we waited

Pocket-lint / Apple

Apart from some visible upgrades, tvOS 26 is introducing a much-awaited characteristic with audio passthrough. At the moment, the Apple TV gadget handles your audio and converts it, however with audio passthrough you may ship it ahead to your receiver and let that do the work. This opens up a variety of various audio codecs, and it will end in higher sound if in case you have the necessary hardware, like a soundbar or audio system.

For instance. I’ve a 5.1 encompass sound setup, however the majority of my streaming content material comes by way of my receiver as “Multi-In” since my Apple TV 4K does not acknowledge the audio sign being despatched by way of. When a film or present outputs Dolby Atmos, it is all good, however that is not the case with many issues I watch. My receiver would haven’t any downside dealing with any format, however the Apple TV 4K is restricted. This is the reason audio passthrough is a giant deal, and I hope it rolls out to all Apple TV 4K units and never simply the newest era. I do not see why this could not be a software program change, however Apple may decide that it requires a {hardware} refresh.

Associated

Why can’t Google and Roku match the Apple TV?

It might be matter of whether or not the businesses even share the identical targets.

2

Liquid Glass seems good

A glossy improve

I wasn’t clamoring for a UI improve by any means, however I am not upset after seeing how good all the pieces seems. Apple needs all of its units to share an analogous look to make it straightforward to transition between them. The Apple TV 4K is the one Apple product I’ve, so it does not make any distinction to me, nevertheless it’s a pleasant contact that I am positive folks entrenched within the Apple ecosystem admire.

Sadly, my first-gen Apple TV 4K is not getting this replace, nevertheless it’s one thing I sit up for seeing after I make an improve. It isn’t an earth-shattering change by any means, nevertheless it’s one thing that goes a good distance towards serving to the Apple TV interface, and each Apple gadget, look extra trendy. Even screens as small as an Apple Watch are getting this replace, so it is clear Apple feels good about this replace and desires all people to expertise what it has to supply.

Associated

5 impactful iOS 26 changes you may have missed during Apple’s WWDC keynote

iOS 26 has formally been unveiled, and right here 5 of essentially the most helpful options coming with the replace.

3

No extra ruining any person’s algorithm

Simpler profile switching

Apple / Pocket-lint

When you’ve got a household that each one makes use of the Apple TV 4K, you know the way annoying it may be to neglect to change between profiles and muck up any person else’s suggestions. Fortunately, I share a profile with only one different individual, and we frequently watch the identical issues, so there’s nothing to fret about. Nevertheless, it is simple to think about how an grownup’s style and a baby’s differ. I do know I would not prefer to be beneficial PAW Patrol in every single place I look.

With tvOS 26, you may toggle on a setting that makes you choose a profile while you flip in your Apple TV. This implies you do not have to fret about forgetting to change since you’ll have to pick one thing every time you flip in your gadget. This could alleviate any issues you have got, and your algorithm will now not be destroyed by any person watching a bunch of stuff you’re not all for.

Associated

5 issues smart TVs really shouldn’t have in 2025

Producers have to band collectively and repair the issues.

4

Extra intuitive for organising new units

A giant time saver

Apple

Once I was organising my Roku Streaming Stick in my basement, it was very straightforward due to all my app logins being tied to my Roku account. I’ve a Roku Extremely in my bed room that’s signed in to all the pieces, and I used to be dreading having to do it once more with my Roku Streaming Stick. Fortuitously, that wasn’t an issue as all the pieces signed in as I arrange the gadget. This identical performance is coming to tvOS.

I haven’t got a second Apple TV 4K but, however after I get one, I will admire with the ability to arrange the brand new gadget with out a lot of a headache. There are loads of streaming providers on the market, so it is good to save lots of time after I can. Whereas Apple TV is much forward of different streamers in some areas, it is apparent it lags behind in conditions similar to this. I am glad tvOS 26 is addressing this as a result of it is a large deal for me, and I think about it will be one thing many individuals are comfortable about in the event that they decide up a second gadget.

Associated

If you’re serious about your home theater setup, this is the streaming box you need

One streaming field guidelines over all.