At WWDC 2025, Apple introduced tvOS 26, a major update for Apple TV that blends a refreshed visual design with new communication and entertainment features.
Liquid Glass Interface
tvOS 26 adopts the new Liquid Glass design language, bringing translucent layers, reflections, and depth to the Apple TV interface. It aligns visually with iOS, visionOS, and other Apple platforms, offering a modern, immersive experience.
Enhanced FaceTime
Apple TV now features an upgraded FaceTime experience:
- Incoming calls now appear with rich visual notifications.
- Live captions are available in multiple languages including French, German, Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, and Spanish.
- Contact Posters make incoming calls more visual and personalized.
Apple Music Sing and iPhone Microphone
The update includes Apple Music Sing, turning Apple TV into a karaoke machine. iPhones can be used as microphones, and participants can queue songs and react with emoji in real time — ideal for parties and family gatherings.
Other Improvements
- Smart user profile suggestions upon Apple TV startup.
- Any available AirPlay device can be selected as the default audio output.
- New dynamic screen savers, including region-specific ones like India-themed visuals.
Availability
tvOS 26 is now available in developer beta. It will support Apple TV models going back nearly 10 years (since 2015), though some features will require newer Apple TV 4K models.
tvOS 26 is now available in developer beta. It will support Apple TV models going back nearly 10 years (since 2015), though some features will require newer Apple TV 4K models.
tvOS 26 positions Apple TV not just as a streaming box, but as a smarter, more social hub for home entertainment — with a sleek new interface and smarter tools for connection and fun.