Abstract
- Audio passthrough function in tvOS 26 permits for a variety of audio codecs for higher sound high quality.
- Liquid Glass show in tvOS 26 provides the Apple TV interface a modern, trendy look.
- Profile choice setting in tvOS 26 prevents algorithm points by guaranteeing the right profile is chosen each time.
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 stay up for. The meat of the replace is the Liquid Glass show, which can make your interface look rather a lot sleeker than it at present does. The Apple TV UI, because it stands, is okay, but it surely’s not precisely one thing particular to have a look at.
An overhaul, while I had reservations, was wanted as a result of the Apple TV UI regarded a little bit 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 therefore lengthy.
- Model
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Apple
- Bluetooth codecs
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5.0
- Wi-Fi
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6
- Ethernet
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Gigabit (128GB mannequin solely)
- Storage and RAM
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64GB, 128GB

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1
Audio passthrough is an enormous deal
Lengthy have we waited
Pocket-lint / Apple
Other than some visible upgrades, tvOS 26 is introducing a much-awaited function with audio passthrough. Presently, the Apple TV system handles your audio and converts it, however with audio passthrough you’ll be able to 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 when you’ve got 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 means of my receiver as “Multi-In” since my Apple TV 4K would not acknowledge the audio sign being despatched by means 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 drawback dealing with any format, however the Apple TV 4K is proscribed. For this reason audio passthrough is an enormous deal, and I hope it rolls out to all Apple TV 4K gadgets and never simply the newest technology. I do not see why this could not be a software program change, however Apple may decide that it requires a {hardware} refresh.

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2
Liquid Glass seems good
A modern improve
I wasn’t clamoring for a UI improve by any means, however I am not upset after seeing how good every part seems. Apple desires all of its gadgets to share an analogous look to make it simple to transition between them. The Apple TV 4K is the one Apple product I’ve, so it would not make any distinction to me, but it surely’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, but it surely’s one thing I stay up for seeing once I make an improve. It isn’t an earth-shattering change by any means, but it surely’s one thing that goes a great distance towards serving to the Apple TV interface, and each Apple system, 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.

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3
No extra ruining any individual’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 overlook to modify between profiles and muck up any individual else’s suggestions. Fortunately, I share a profile with only one different particular person, and we frequently watch the identical issues, so there’s nothing to fret about. Nonetheless, it is simple to think about how an grownup’s style and a toddler’s differ. I do know I would not prefer to be really useful PAW Patrol in all places I look.
With tvOS 26, you’ll be able to toggle on a setting that makes you choose a profile once you flip in your Apple TV. This implies you do not have to fret about forgetting to modify since you’ll have to pick out one thing every time you flip in your system. This could alleviate any issues you could have, and your algorithm will now not be destroyed by any individual watching a bunch of belongings you’re not occupied with.

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4
Extra intuitive for establishing new gadgets
An enormous time saver
Apple
After I was establishing my Roku Streaming Stick in my basement, it was very simple because of all my app logins being tied to my Roku account. I’ve a Roku Extremely in my bed room that’s signed in to every part, and I used to be dreading having to do it yet again with my Roku Streaming Stick. Thankfully, that wasn’t an issue as every part signed in as I arrange the system. This similar performance is coming to tvOS.
I haven’t got a second Apple TV 4K but, however once I get one, I am going to admire having the ability to arrange the brand new system with out a lot of a headache. There are quite a lot of streaming companies on the market, so it is good to save lots of time once I can. Whereas Apple TV is much forward of different streamers in some areas, it is apparent it lags behind in conditions resembling this. I am glad tvOS 26 is addressing this as a result of it is a massive deal for me, and I think about it will be one thing many individuals are joyful about in the event that they decide up a second system.

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